How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Restricted Zone
A Restricted Zone violation in Somerville typically occurs when a vehicle is parked in an area designated for specific use, such as Resident Permit Parking, loading zones, or bus stops, without the proper authorization. Always check for signage indicating time limits or permit requirements, as these zones are strictly enforced to prioritize local residents and transit flow.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Restricted Zone
Parking in the City of Somerville can feel like a competitive sport, especially in dense neighborhoods near Davis Square, Union Square, or Teele Square. Finding a spot is a victory, but returning to find an orange envelope tucked under your windshield wiper can ruin your day instantly. If your ticket lists the violation as a "Restricted Zone," you are looking at a base fine of $50.00. While this isn't the most expensive ticket in the city, ignoring it can lead to escalating costs and administrative headaches.
So, what does a Restricted Zone violation actually mean? In Somerville, this is a broad category used to describe areas where parking is prohibited or limited to specific types of vehicles. The most common scenario is parking in a Resident Permit Parking area without a valid sticker or guest pass. However, this violation also covers loading zones, bus stops, areas too close to driveways or intersections, and temporary no-parking zones set up for construction or moving trucks. Essentially, if a sign says the space is reserved or restricted and you don't meet the criteria, you are at risk of being ticketed.
Before you resign yourself to paying the fine, it is worth examining the circumstances of the ticket. Parking enforcement officers are human, and mistakes do happen. Common angles for disputing a Restricted Zone ticket include unclear or missing signage. If the sign restricting the zone was obscured by overgrown tree branches, covered in graffiti, or knocked down, you may have grounds for a dismissal. Additionally, if you have a valid resident permit but it was partially covered by snow or sun glare, providing a clear photo of your valid permit can sometimes resolve the issue.
Time is of the essence when dealing with Somerville parking tickets. The city has a strict tiered late fee system. If the $50 fine remains unpaid for 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added. If it remains unresolved for another 21 days (42 days total), a second late fee of $15.00 is applied. If the ticket is ignored for more than 63 days, the Parking Clerk notifies the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), which adds a $40.00 referral fee and can prevent you from renewing your license or registration.
Navigating the dispute process or ensuring your payment is processed correctly doesn't have to be a hassle. The Busted web app is designed to help you manage your Somerville parking tickets efficiently. If you believe you have a valid defense, such as obscured signage, our platform can help you organize your evidence and submit a dispute. If you prefer to simply pay the fine and move on, you can handle the payment directly through our secure web interface. Using Busted ensures you stay ahead of those escalating late fees and keeps your vehicle registration safe from RMV non-renewal holds.
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 |