How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Obstructing Accessible Ramp
You cannot park your vehicle in a way that blocks, obstructs, or hinders access to a wheelchair ramp or curb cut. This rule applies even if only a small part of your bumper is hanging over the ramp or if you are stopped for a very short period of time. These areas must remain completely clear to ensure accessibility for pedestrians with disabilities.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Obstructing Accessible Ramp
Parking in Somerville can be a challenge, and finding a spot that fits your car perfectly is often easier said than done. However, blocking an accessible ramp is considered a severe violation due to the impact it has on accessibility. If you have received a ticket for "Obstructing Accessible Ramp," you are facing a $200.00 base fine. The city enforces this rule strictly because curb cuts and ramps are essential for people using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers to navigate the streets safely.
Tickets for this violation are typically issued when a vehicle is parked too close to the edge of a driveway or crosswalk, resulting in the car overhanging the sloped area of the curb. Even if your tires are technically in a legal spot, your bumper extending into the ramp area is enough to warrant a citation. In some cases, drivers may not even realize they are blocking the path, especially if curb markings are faded or if snow and leaves are obscuring the pavement. However, intent usually doesn't matter to parking enforcement; if the path is blocked, the ticket is written.
Despite the strict nature of this rule, you may have valid reasons to dispute the ticket. Common defense angles include unclear or missing signage, faded curb paint that makes the ramp indistinguishable, or factual errors on the ticket itself (such as the wrong make, model, or location). Additionally, if your vehicle was disabled due to a mechanical breakdown and you were actively waiting for assistance, you might be able to appeal the fine with proper documentation. Evidence is key here—photos of the scene showing that you were not obstructing the ramp can be very persuasive.
It is crucial to handle this ticket promptly. Somerville has a tiered late fee system that increases the cost the longer you wait. If the ticket is unpaid after 21 days, a $5.00 fee is added. If it remains unresolved after 42 days, another $15.00 is tacked on. After 63 days, the city notifies the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), incurring a $40.00 referral fee and potentially blocking your registration renewal.
Fortunately, you don't have to deal with the paperwork alone. The Busted web app makes resolving your Somerville parking ticket simple and stress-free. We support disputes for this violation, meaning we can help you formulate your argument and manage the filing process. If you choose to pay the fine, our secure platform handles that too. There is no need to download an app; simply visit us online, upload a picture of your ticket, and let us guide you through the next steps to get this resolved.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
21-42 days First late fee > 21 days unpaid and no hearing requested | $5.00 |
42-63 days Second late fee 21 days after the mailed notice if still unpaid (or no hearing request) | $15.00 |
After 63 days RMV referral fee - when Parking Clerk reports non-payment to Registrar of Motor Vehicles | $40.00 |