How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Obstructing Bicycle Lane
In Somerville, you are strictly prohibited from parking, stopping, or standing your vehicle in a marked bicycle lane at any time. These lanes are reserved exclusively for cyclist safety, and blocking them—even for a quick errand or while remaining in the car—is a violation. Enforcement is rigorous because forcing cyclists into main traffic lanes creates a significant safety hazard.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Obstructing Bicycle Lane
Somerville is known for being one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the area, which means the local parking enforcement takes bike lanes very seriously. Finding a bright orange envelope on your windshield for Obstructing a Bicycle Lane is a frustrating experience, especially if you only pulled over for a minute to check your GPS or unload groceries. While the city prioritizes cyclist safety, navigating the bureaucracy of parking tickets can be a headache for drivers.
The base fine for blocking a bike lane in Somerville is $50.00. While that might be manageable for some, the real danger lies in ignoring the ticket. Somerville has a tiered late fee system that kicks in relatively quickly. If the ticket remains unpaid for 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added. If you let it slide to 42 days, another $15.00 is tacked on. The most severe penalty hits after 63 days: the Parking Clerk notifies the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) of non-payment, adding a $40.00 surcharge and preventing you from renewing your license or registration until the debt is cleared.
However, receiving a ticket doesn't automatically mean you are guilty. There are valid reasons to dispute this violation. For example, if the paint on the road was so faded that the bike lane was indistinguishable, or if snow covered the markings, you may have a case. Additionally, if you were forced into the lane due to a mechanical breakdown or a documented medical emergency, the hearing officer may dismiss the ticket. Evidence is key here—photos of the scene, repair receipts, or dashcam footage can significantly strengthen your argument.
This is where Busted can help. We understand that fighting a parking ticket requires time and paperwork that you might not have. Our web app is designed to streamline the dispute process for you. Instead of navigating the city's complex website or mailing in letters, you can answer a few questions on our platform, upload your evidence, and let us generate a professional dispute letter on your behalf. We can't guarantee a dismissal, but we can ensure your defense is presented clearly and correctly.
If you decide not to contest the ticket, or if your dispute isn't successful, you can also use the Busted web app to pay your fine securely. Handling it promptly is the best way to avoid those escalating fees and the dreaded RMV hold. Whether you choose to fight it or pay it, using Busted helps you resolve the issue quickly so you can get back on the road.
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 |