How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Within 20 ft. of Intersection
Parking too close to a street corner restricts visibility for turning vehicles and pedestrians, creating a serious safety hazard. To ensure clear sightlines, the City of Somerville requires you to leave a buffer of at least 20 feet between your vehicle and the intersection. If any part of your car falls within this zone, you are liable for a citation.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Within 20 ft. of Intersection
Finding a parking spot in the City of Somerville can feel like a competitive sport, especially in dense neighborhoods where curb space is a precious commodity. It is incredibly tempting to squeeze into that last spot at the end of the block, even if it seems a little tight. However, that convenience often comes with a price tag. One of the most common citations issued in the city is for parking within 20 feet of an intersection. While it might feel like the city is just being picky, this rule exists primarily for safety reasons. When cars park right up to the corner, they block the view for drivers turning onto the street and obscure pedestrians trying to cross. That 20-foot buffer is designed to keep sightlines open and prevent accidents.
Unfortunately, knowing the safety logic doesn't make the $50.00 base fine feel any better. It is important to address these tickets quickly because Somerville has an aggressive late fee structure. If you leave the ticket unpaid for 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added. If you let it slide to 42 days, another $15.00 is tacked on. The real pain comes after 63 days: the city hands the debt over to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) for non-renewal of your license or registration, which triggers an additional $40.00 fee. Suddenly, a $50 ticket has more than doubled in cost.
However, you don't always have to accept the ticket as the final word. Because this violation relies heavily on the parking officer's estimation of distance, there is often room for a valid dispute. Officers rarely use a tape measure; they usually step it off or eyeball the distance. If you believe your car was actually outside the 20-foot zone, or if the intersection geometry is irregular and confusing, you may have grounds for an appeal. Evidence is crucial here—photos showing your car's position relative to the corner, landmarks, or curb cuts can help demonstrate that you were parked legally.
Whether you decide to pay the fine to get it over with or want to fight back against a questionable call, the Busted web app is here to help. We handle the bureaucracy so you don't have to deal with mailing checks or navigating confusing municipal websites. You can manage the entire process directly through your browser. If you choose to dispute, our system helps you organize your argument and evidence to present the best possible case to the City of Somerville. While we can't guarantee a dismissal, we can ensure your dispute is filed correctly and professionally. Don't let that ticket sit in your glovebox gathering late fees—log in to Busted and get it sorted today.
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 |