How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Taxi Stand
A Taxi Stand violation occurs when a private vehicle parks in a zone designated exclusively for licensed taxicabs to pick up or drop off passengers. These areas are typically identified by specific street signs or curb markings and must be kept clear for taxis at all times unless posted hours indicate otherwise. Even stopping briefly with hazard lights on is generally prohibited in these zones.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Taxi Stand
Parking in Somerville can feel like a competitive sport, especially when you are circling for a spot near Davis or Union Square. It is often tempting to slide into that empty space at the curb just to run a quick errand, but if that space is marked as a Taxi Stand, you are looking at a swift $50.00 fine. These zones are strictly reserved for licensed taxicabs, and enforcement officers are quick to write citations to keep these areas clear for transit.
The city designates these spots to ensure taxis have a safe place to queue and pick up passengers without blocking traffic. Even if you do not see a taxi around, the restriction usually applies 24/7 unless the signage explicitly states specific hours. A common misconception is that you can stop there "just for a minute" to grab a coffee or drop a friend off. Unfortunately, unless you are driving a licensed cab, your hazard lights usually won't save you from a ticket.
While the base fine is $50.00, ignoring the ticket makes the situation much more expensive. Somerville has a strict tiered late fee structure. If the ticket remains unpaid and you haven't requested a hearing within 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added. If another three weeks pass (42 days total) without action, a second late fee of $15.00 is applied. Finally, if the ticket is ignored for more than 63 days, the Parking Clerk reports the non-payment to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV). This triggers a $40.00 referral fee and can prevent you from renewing your license or registration until the debt is cleared.
Is there a way to fight it? Potentially. Disputes are often successful if the signage was unclear. If the "Taxi Stand" sign was missing, knocked down, or covered in graffiti, you might have a valid defense. Taking photos of the scene to prove the lack of visibility is crucial. Another common dispute angle involves disabled vehicles; if your car broke down and you were forced to coast into the taxi stand while waiting for a tow, providing a tow receipt or mechanic's invoice can serve as strong evidence. Additionally, if conflicting signs made the parking rules impossible to understand, a hearing officer may dismiss the ticket.
If you believe your ticket was issued in error, or if you simply want to handle the payment without the headache of mailing checks, Busted is here to assist. Our web app streamlines the entire process, allowing you to manage your ticket directly through your browser. You can upload your ticket details and evidence, and we help you compose a professional dispute or facilitate the payment securely. While we cannot guarantee a dismissal, using the Busted web app makes the administrative process far less painful than dealing with city hall 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 |