How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Obstructing Posted Fire Lane
Parking, stopping, or standing in a designated fire lane is strictly prohibited to ensure emergency vehicles have immediate access to buildings and hydrants. In Somerville, this rule applies even if you are sitting in the driver's seat with the engine running or have your hazard lights on. You must keep these areas clear at all times to avoid a citation.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Obstructing Posted Fire Lane
Finding a bright orange envelope on your windshield in Somerville is never a highlight of the day, especially when it’s for "Obstructing Posted Fire Lane." This particular violation comes with a hefty $100.00 base fine, reflecting the serious nature of the offense. Fire lanes are designated to ensure that fire trucks and ambulances have immediate access to buildings during emergencies. Because seconds count in those situations, parking enforcement officers have zero tolerance for vehicles blocking these zones, regardless of how briefly you were stopped.
Many drivers mistakenly believe that leaving their hazard lights on or staying inside the running vehicle grants them immunity. Unfortunately, "standing" or "stopping" in a fire lane is treated the same as parking there. If your vehicle is obstructing the lane, you are liable for the ticket. The city expects drivers to observe red curbs and specific signage indicating the restriction.
Ignoring the ticket will only make the situation more expensive. Somerville has a tiered late fee structure that kicks in fairly quickly. If the ticket remains unpaid and you haven't requested a hearing within 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added. If you still haven't resolved it by the time the mailed notice is 21 days old (roughly 42 days from issuance), a second late fee of $15.00 is tacked on. Finally, after about 63 days of non-payment, the Parking Clerk notifies the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), triggering a $40.00 non-renewal fee. This surcharge prevents you from renewing your license or registration until the total debt is settled.
However, not every ticket is open-and-shut. You may have valid grounds to dispute the citation. Common defense angles for fire lane violations often involve poor visibility. Was the red curb paint severely faded or covered by snow? Was the "No Parking - Fire Lane" signage missing, obscured by tree branches, or knocked down? In some cases, if you were forced to stop due to a documented medical emergency or a sudden mechanical breakdown, you might have a case for dismissal provided you have evidence.
If you believe your ticket was issued in error, or if you just want to handle the payment without the headache of navigating municipal websites, the Busted web app is here to help. We simplify the process of managing your parking tickets. You can use our platform to pay your fine securely or, if you have evidence to support a challenge, we can help you submit a dispute to the City of Somerville. While we can't guarantee a dismissal, we ensure your argument is presented clearly and professionally, giving you the best chance at fighting the fine.
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 |