How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Somerville
Wrong Direction
This violation occurs when your vehicle is parked facing against the flow of traffic on the street. To park legally in Somerville, your vehicle's right-hand wheels must be within 12 inches of the right-hand curb, unless you are on a one-way street where left-side parking is permitted. Essentially, you must park in the same direction that cars are driving on that side of the road.
Guide to Fighting City of Somerville Wrong Direction
Parking in Somerville can often feel like a competitive sport, and finding that perfect spot right in front of your destination often feels like a major victory. However, coming back to your car only to find a bright orange envelope tucked under your wiper blade can quickly sour the mood. If that ticket says "Wrong Direction," you are looking at a $50 base fine. While it might seem like a minor technicality—especially if the street was empty when you parked—the City of Somerville takes traffic flow and safety regulations seriously, and this violation is one of the more common ways drivers get snagged.
So, what exactly went wrong? In plain English, a Wrong Direction violation means your vehicle was parked facing against the flow of traffic. On a standard two-way street, the passenger side of your car should be curbside. If your driver’s side is against the curb, you likely crossed over the center line to park. This implies you had to drive on the wrong side of the road to enter the spot and will have to drive into oncoming traffic to leave it. This rule exists primarily for safety; pulling out from a spot head-on into traffic creates a blind spot for the driver and significantly increases the risk of accidents.
However, mistakes happen, and sometimes tickets are issued in error. When considering a dispute, look at the specific context of the street. Was it a one-way street where parking on the left is permitted, and you were actually facing the correct direction of travel? Sometimes signage regarding one-way changes can be confusing, obscured by trees, or missing entirely. Additionally, if your vehicle was disabled and you were waiting for a tow, providing proof of a mechanical breakdown might be a valid angle, though this is never guaranteed. Another common defense involves errors on the ticket itself—if the officer wrote down the wrong location or license plate number, the ticket might be invalid.
If you believe you have a case, or if you just want to get this taken care of without the headache of mailing checks or navigating confusing municipal websites, Busted is here to help. Our web app streamlines the entire process for you. We can help you assemble your evidence and submit a professional dispute letter to the City of Somerville on your behalf. We know exactly what the hearing officers are looking for and how to present your facts clearly to maximize your chances of a dismissal.
Time is money, especially with parking tickets. Somerville has a strict escalation structure for unpaid fines. If you don't pay or request a hearing within 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added. Wait another three weeks (42 days total), and another $15.00 piles on. If the ticket remains ignored for over 63 days, the Parking Clerk notifies the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). This triggers a hefty $40.00 referral fee and prevents you from renewing your license or registration until the debt is settled. Don’t let a $50 mistake turn into a significantly more expensive problem. Log in to the Busted web app today to manage your ticket quickly and securely.
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 |