How to Fight Obstructing Driveway Parking Tickets in City of Somerville

Dealing with Parking Violations in Somerville

Parking in the City of Somerville can be a challenge, and finding a legal spot often feels like a victory in itself. However, returning to your vehicle to find an orange envelope tucked under your windshield wiper can quickly ruin your day. If you have received a citation for Obstructing Driveway, you are looking at a base fine of $100.00. While this is a steep penalty, it is important to address it immediately rather than tossing it in the glove box. Ignoring the ticket will lead to escalating fees and potential registration issues with the RMV.

Whether you intend to pay your parking ticket immediately or you believe the citation was issued in error and want to contest it, understanding the local rules is the first step. Our Busted web app is designed to help you navigate this process, allowing you to manage your ticket resolution entirely online without the headache of navigating confusing municipal websites.

Why was I issued an Obstructing Driveway ticket?

The City of Somerville enforces driveway regulations strictly to ensure that residents and business owners have unimpeded access to their property. An Obstructing Driveway violation usually occurs when a vehicle is parked across the "apron" of a driveway—the section of the sidewalk that slopes down to the street.

Even if you are only partially blocking the cut, or if you believe there is enough room for a small car to squeeze by, a parking control officer can still issue a ticket. In many neighborhoods, these citations are complaint-driven. This means a resident likely called parking enforcement because they could not enter or exit their property. Because the base fine is substantial at $100.00, it is crucial to verify if you were actually in violation or if the ticket was issued unfairly.

How to dispute your Somerville parking ticket

If you believe you were parked legally, you have the right to dispute the citation. Since Busted supports disputes for the City of Somerville, our web app can help you prepare and submit your appeal.

When you contest a parking fine for obstructing a driveway, evidence is your best defense. Common angles for appeal include:

• Lack of Obstruction: If you have photos showing your car was fully clear of the driveway apron and not impeding traffic flow.
• Faded Curb Cuts: In some cases, the driveway definition is unclear due to damaged curbs or lack of maintenance, making it difficult to discern where the restriction begins.
• Permission (Context Dependent): While difficult, if you were ticketed for blocking your own driveway or a friend's driveway who gave you permission, you may be able to appeal, though Somerville generally enforces this rule regardless of ownership to maintain emergency access.

When you use the Busted web app, we guide you through gathering the right information to build a strong case for your appeal.

Understanding Late Fees and Penalties

Time is of the essence when dealing with Somerville parking tickets. The city imposes a structured tier of late fees that can significantly increase your financial liability if you delay action.

• 21 Days: If the ticket remains unpaid and no hearing is requested after 21 days, a $5.00 late fee is added.
• 42 Days: If the ticket is still unresolved 21 days after the mailed notice (roughly 42-63 days from issuance), a second late fee of $15.00 is applied.
• RMV Referral: After approximately 63 days of non-payment, the Parking Clerk will report the violation to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. This incurs an additional $40.00 fee.

Once the violation is marked at the RMV, you will be unable to renew your driver’s license or vehicle registration until all fines and fees are paid in full.

How to Pay or Resolve with Busted

If you decide that disputing is not the right path, or if your appeal was denied, you must pay the parking ticket to close the case. You can pay directly through the City of Somerville's online portal, by mail, or in person at the Traffic and Parking Department.

Alternatively, you can use the Busted web app to handle the payment or dispute process seamlessly. We help you track the status of your violation and ensure that your response—whether it is a payment or an appeal—is handled correctly. By using our service, you avoid the stress of missed deadlines and ensure that your parking fine is resolved before those expensive RMV holds take effect.