How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
On Crosswalk
In the City of Somerville, it is illegal to park or stop your vehicle on a marked crosswalk at any time. This rule applies even if you are only partially blocking the painted lines or if you are sitting inside the vehicle with the engine running. Keeping crosswalks clear is strictly enforced to ensure the safety and accessibility of pedestrians.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville On Crosswalk
Seeing that bright orange envelope tucked under your windshield wiper is never the highlight of anyone's day, especially in a place like Somerville where finding a legal spot can feel like a competitive sport. If you have been cited for a violation described as "On Crosswalk," you are looking at a base fine of $50.00. While it might feel harsh—especially if you were only running into a shop for a minute or if it was late at night—the city enforces this rule strictly to maintain pedestrian safety and ADA compliance.
So, why exactly were you ticketed? In Somerville, blocking any portion of a crosswalk is a violation. This includes your bumper hanging over the white lines or your tires resting on the paint. The law is designed to keep pathways completely clear for people walking, using wheelchairs, or pushing strollers. It does not matter if the hazard lights were on or if you were waiting for a passenger; if the vehicle obstructs the path, a Parking Control Officer is authorized to issue a citation.
One thing you definitely do not want to do is toss the ticket in your glove box and forget about it. The City of Somerville has a tiered late fee system that increases the financial pain the longer you wait. If the ticket remains unpaid and you haven't requested a hearing within 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added. If you let it slide for another three weeks (42 days total), a second late fee of $15.00 is tacked on. If the violation remains unresolved after 63 days, the Parking Clerk notifies the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), which triggers a $40.00 surcharge and prevents you from renewing your registration. That initial $50.00 fine can more than double if ignored.
However, you do have options if you believe the ticket was unfair. Common angles for disputing a crosswalk violation often involve the visibility of the markings. If the crosswalk paint was severely faded or covered by snow, you might have a valid argument that the restriction was not properly communicated. Additionally, if your vehicle was disabled due to a mechanical emergency, providing a tow receipt or repair bill can sometimes result in a dismissal. Evidence is crucial, so photos of the scene are your best defense.
This is where the Busted web app can help you manage the situation without the headache. We support disputes for the City of Somerville, allowing you to easily organize your evidence and submit your appeal through our platform. We guide you through the process to ensure your argument is clear and professional. If you prefer to simply pay the fine and move on, you can also handle the payment securely through the Busted web interface. While we cannot guarantee a specific outcome, we make resolving your parking ticket faster and less stressful than dealing with municipal bureaucracy alone.
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 |