How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Permit Parking
In the City of Somerville, most residential streets are designated as permit-only zones to prioritize parking for locals. If you park in these areas without a valid resident sticker or visitor pass during enforced hours, you will receive a citation. This regulation helps prevent commuters from occupying neighborhood spots for extended periods.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Permit Parking
Parking in the City of Somerville can be a challenge, especially for those without a resident sticker. The city is densely populated, and to manage the high demand for curb space, officials enforce strict permit parking regulations. If you have returned to your vehicle to find a bright orange envelope tucked under your wiper blade, you have likely been cited for a Permit Parking violation. The base fine for this infraction is $50.00. While this might not break the bank immediately, ignoring it can lead to a much more expensive problem due to Somerville's escalating late fee structure.
These tickets are issued because Somerville designates specific zones solely for residents and their guests. Unlike some cities where permits are only required for overnight parking, many streets in Somerville require permits during the day as well. Parking Control Officers patrol these neighborhoods frequently. If your vehicle does not display a valid resident sticker, or if you haven't properly utilized a visitor pass, you are at risk of being ticketed. It is important to check the signage on every block, as rules can vary from street to street.
One of the most critical things to remember is that time is money. If you do not pay the fine or request a hearing within 21 days, the city adds a $5.00 late fee. If the ticket remains unpaid after 42 days, a second late fee of $15.00 is applied. If you let the violation linger for more than 63 days, the Parking Clerk will report the debt to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV). This triggers a $40.00 RMV referral fee and prevents you from renewing your driver's license or vehicle registration until the debt is settled. A $50 ticket can quickly balloon into a $110 obligation if ignored.
However, receiving a ticket doesn't automatically mean you have to pay it. There are valid reasons to dispute a Permit Parking citation. Common defenses include obscured or missing signage; if the "Resident Permit Only" sign was covered by overgrowth or graffiti, you may have grounds for dismissal. Additionally, if you were using a visitor permit correctly but the officer failed to see it, or if there are factual errors on the ticket regarding your vehicle's make or color, you should contest it. Evidence is vital, so always take photos of your car and the surrounding signs immediately.
The Busted web app is designed to make resolving these issues as painless as possible. We understand that navigating municipal websites can be frustrating. Through our platform, you can manage your ticket securely and efficiently. Since we support disputes for the City of Somerville, our service can help you organize your evidence and submit a professional challenge against the citation. If you prefer to simply pay the fine and move on, we facilitate that too, ensuring you avoid those pesky late fees. Just log in to Busted on your browser to get started.
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 |