How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Obstructing Street Sweeping
Street sweeping is strictly enforced in Somerville to ensure roads are cleaned effectively, usually running from April through December. You must move your vehicle from the designated side of the street during the specific hours posted on local signage or the city schedule. Failure to do so results in a violation for obstructing the sweeper path.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Obstructing Street Sweeping
Parking in Somerville is practically a competitive sport, and few things are more frustrating than walking out to your car only to find an orange envelope tucked under the wiper. If you have received a ticket for Obstructing Street Sweeping, you aren't alone. This is one of the most common violations in the city, occurring mostly between April and December when the sweepers are out in full force to keep the curbs clean.
These tickets are issued because the large sweeping trucks simply cannot do their job if cars are blocking the curb. The City of Somerville takes this seriously, slapping a $50.00 base fine on any vehicle that hasn't moved to the correct side of the street during the posted window. While $50.00 is annoying, the real danger lies in ignoring the ticket. If you wait longer than 21 days to pay or request a hearing, a $5.00 late fee is added. If another 21 days pass after a notice is mailed to you, another $15.00 is tacked on. Eventually, the Parking Clerk will report the debt to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV), incurring a hefty $40.00 referral fee and preventing you from renewing your license or registration.
However, receiving a ticket doesn't automatically mean you are guilty. There are valid reasons to dispute a street sweeping violation. The most common angle is signage visibility. If the street sweeping signs were obscured by overgrown trees, graffiti, or construction equipment, you may have a case. Similarly, if the signage was missing entirely or contained conflicting time information compared to the city's online schedule, you can argue that the enforcement was unjust. Occasionally, officers may issue a ticket a few minutes before the ban actually starts or after it ends; checking the timestamp on your ticket against the posted hours is a crucial first step.
That is where the Busted web app comes in. We make resolving your Somerville parking tickets straightforward and stress-free. You don't need to navigate the city's confusing government portals or mail in checks. simply visit our website and upload the details of your citation. Since Busted supports disputes for the City of Somerville, our system can help you formulate a challenge if you believe the ticket was issued in error. We ask you a few simple questions to understand the context—like whether signs were visible or if there was a medical emergency—and help you submit your defense.
If you prefer to just get it over with, you can also pay your fine directly through the Busted web app. Our goal is to save you time and help you avoid those escalating late fees and RMV holds. Whether you choose to fight it or pay it, handling it quickly is the best way to keep your driving record clean and your wallet safe.
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 |