How to Fight Wrong Direction Parking Tickets in City of Somerville

Finding a bright orange envelope on your windshield is never a pleasant experience, especially in the City of Somerville where parking regulations are strictly enforced. One of the more frustrating violations for drivers is the "Wrong Direction" parking ticket. While it might seem harmless to cross the street to snag an open spot, parking against the flow of traffic is a specific violation that carries a base fine of $50.00. Whether you intend to pay the fine or want to dispute the parking ticket, understanding the rules and your options is the first step toward resolving the issue.

Understanding the Wrong Direction Violation in Somerville

Many drivers assume that as long as they are within the lines or close to the curb, they are parked legally. However, Massachusetts state law and Somerville city ordinances require vehicles to park in the direction of traffic flow. On a standard two-way street, this means your right-side wheels must be closest to the curb. On a one-way street, you may park on the left side, provided your left wheels are near the curb and you are facing the correct direction.

This rule exists primarily for safety reasons. When you park facing the wrong way, you likely had to cross oncoming traffic lanes to enter the spot, and you will have to cross them again—often with limited visibility—to exit. Additionally, at night, your headlights may confuse or blind oncoming drivers, making it appear as though a vehicle is traveling in the wrong lane.

The Cost of Ignoring the Ticket: Late Fees and Penalties

If you have received a Wrong Direction parking fine, it is crucial to take action quickly. Ignoring the ticket will not make it go away; in fact, it will get significantly more expensive. The City of Somerville has a tiered late fee structure that escalates the longer the ticket remains unpaid or undisputed.

• Base Fine: $50.00
• First Late Fee: If the ticket remains unpaid for more than 21 days and no hearing is requested, a $5.00 fee is added.
• Second Late Fee: If the ticket is still unpaid 21 days after the initial late notice is mailed (roughly 42-63 days from issuance), an additional $15.00 is added.
• RMV Non-Renewal: After approximately 63 days of non-payment, the Parking Clerk will report the violation to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV). This incurs a $40.00 surcharge and prevents you from renewing your driver’s license or vehicle registration until the total debt is paid.

How to Contest Your Somerville Parking Ticket

If you believe your ticket was issued in error, you have the right to appeal. To successfully contest a parking ticket, you generally need to provide evidence that the violation did not occur or that there were mitigating circumstances. For a Wrong Direction violation, valid defenses might include:

• Signage Confusion: If you were on a street that recently changed traffic patterns or had unclear one-way signage.
• Emergency Situations: If a documented mechanical failure or medical emergency forced you to pull over immediately in the safest available manner.
• Factual Errors: If the officer wrote down the wrong license plate number or location.

When you contest a ticket, you pause the late fee clock while the decision is being made. You can handle this process manually through the city's designated channels, or you can use the Busted web app to streamline your appeal. Busted helps you organize your evidence and generates a professional dispute letter to send to the City of Somerville, improving your chances of a fair review.

Paying Your Parking Fine

If you acknowledge the violation and simply want to settle the debt, paying promptly is the best way to avoid those escalating fees. The City of Somerville accepts payments online, by mail, or in person.

However, managing city websites can sometimes be cumbersome. If you prefer a unified experience, you can also use the Busted web app to pay your parking ticket. Whether you choose to fight the fine or pay it, our goal is to help you resolve the situation with as little stress as possible. Remember, the most important rule is to act within the first 21 days to avoid penalties.