Parking Tickets – Fighting a Parking Ticket

In some cities, parking tickets are part of life. In a city like Boston, it can cost you some serious cash to pay for a violation. If you park in a no parking zone, that’s fifty-five bucks, on a crosswalk is eighty-five, and if you park in front of a bus stop or in a bike lane, you’re looking at a hundred-dollar parking ticket. It gets even more complicated during snow emergencies. For example, your resident parking sticker must be visible within 24 hours after a snowstorm, and you can’t park within twenty feet of an intersection or over a foot from the curb. So what can you do if you park in the wrong place at the wrong time? Can you afford it? See a full list of Parking ticket fines in Boston.

Fortunately, you may typically appeal your parking ticket. In order to do so, you must contact the city’s parking clerk’s office. Each town or city is different, but most of the time, you may appeal a parking ticket online, through the mail, or by telephone. Be sure to figure out which method your town abides by. But first, before you make your appeal, here are some things you should think about.

Were you thinking reasonably when you decided to park where you did?

Did the municipality fail to carry out one of their responsibilities (making “no parking” zones visible for example, or having faulty parking meters), which resulted in the issuance of the parking ticket?

Did something beyond your control force you to leave your car where it was over an allotted time limit, or in a spot where parking was not permitted, resulting in a parking ticket?

Did you have no option for placing your vehicle where you did; were there any extenuating circumstances?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you may have a chance to beat your ticket.

If you simply do not have any argument or good reason for the way you parked, it may not be worth your time to contest a parking ticket. However, if you have a reasonable dispute, go ahead and take a shot at appealing your parking ticket. You have the right to do so, and the clerk may end up cutting you a break or seeing things your way. When presenting your case, feel free to use whatever materials help convey your message. This includes photos, diagrams, videos, or any other reasonable material that may be used on your behalf. If you have some time, read up on the law on parking violations.

Just remember it’s in your best interests to keep your cool no matter how frustrated you may become, and prepare your case before the appeal. Always be respectful and professional when appealing your ticket and you just might get to keep your monthly coffee money.