What happens when you get a parking ticket in Boston

When a Boston parking enforcement officer writes you a ticket, they place a notice on your windshield or mail it to the registered owner of the vehicle. The ticket shows the violation code, the fine amount, the date and time, and the location where it was issued. You have options: pay the fine, request a hearing to contest it, or do nothing — which leads to late fees, a hold on your vehicle registration, and possible collection action.

The fine amount depends on the violation. Expired meter violations, no-parking-zone violations, and fire hydrant violations each carry different penalty amounts set by the city. The ticket itself will state the exact fine you owe.

You must respond within a specific timeframe. If you ignore the ticket, the city adds a late fee and can prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration until the debt is paid.

Key Takeaways

  • Boston parking tickets must be addressed within the timeframe stated on the notice, or late fees and registration holds will follow.
  • You can pay online through the Boston Parking Clerk's office website, by mail, or in person at their office on Hanover Street.
  • If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before a hearing officer who will review the facts.
  • Unpaid tickets can result in a hold on your vehicle registration renewal and collection action against you.

How to pay a Boston parking ticket

The fastest way to pay is online through the Boston Parking Clerk's website. You will need the ticket number, which appears on the notice. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number.

If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the Boston Parking Clerk, along with the ticket notice. Include your name, the ticket number, and the violation date. Mail payments take longer to process — typically one to two weeks.

You can also pay in person at the Boston Parking Clerk's office, located at 100 Hanover Street, Boston. Bring the ticket notice and cash, check, or card. Hours and payment methods may change, so check the city website before you go.

Requesting a hearing to contest your ticket

If you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly — for example, the sign was missing, you had a valid permit, or the meter was broken — you can request a hearing. You must request it within the timeframe shown on your ticket, usually 21 days from the issue date. Request the hearing in writing by mail or through the Boston Parking Clerk's website.

At the hearing, a hearing officer will listen to your account of what happened and review any evidence you bring — photos of the location, a receipt showing you paid the meter, a copy of your permit, or witness statements. The officer will decide whether the ticket should be upheld, reduced, or dismissed. You will receive the decision by mail.

If you lose the hearing, you still owe the original fine. You then have the option to pay or appeal to the Boston Traffic and Parking Court, though this requires a higher level of evidence and legal argument.

What happens if you do not respond to a parking ticket

If you do not pay or request a hearing within the important date, the city adds a late fee to your balance. The amount of the late fee varies but is typically a percentage of the original fine. Your debt grows each month the ticket remains unpaid.

The city will place a hold on your vehicle registration. When your registration comes up for renewal, you will not be able to renew it until the parking debt is cleared. This means you cannot legally drive the vehicle.

If the debt remains unpaid for a long time, the city may refer it to a collection agency. A collection account can appear on your credit report and affect your credit score. The collection agency may contact you by phone or mail to demand payment.

Parking violations that lead to tickets in Boston

Boston issues tickets for many parking violations. Expired meter violations occur when you stay past the time limit posted on the meter or sign. No-parking-zone violations happen when you park in a space marked "No Parking" during the hours listed. Fire hydrant violations occur when you park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.

Street cleaning violations are issued when you park on a street during posted street cleaning hours. Handicap space violations occur when you park in a space reserved for people with disabilities without a valid permit. Resident permit violations happen when you park in a resident-only space without the required permit for that neighborhood.

Double parking — stopping in a travel lane — and blocking a driveway also result in tickets. The fine amounts differ by violation type, and the ticket notice will state which violation you are cited for.

Understanding the ticket notice and what it tells you

The parking ticket notice contains several pieces of information you will need to reference. The ticket number is a unique identifier used to look up your ticket online or by phone. The violation code is a number that corresponds to the specific rule you broke — for example, code 101 might be an expired meter violation.

The notice shows the date and time the ticket was issued, the street address where you parked, and the fine amount. It also lists the important date for paying or requesting a hearing. Some notices include a QR code you can scan to pay online when ready.

Keep the ticket notice in a safe place. You will need it to pay, to request a hearing, or to dispute the ticket later. If you lose it, you can still look up your ticket using your license plate number on the Boston Parking Clerk's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Boston parking ticket by phone?

The Boston Parking Clerk's office does not currently accept phone payments. You can pay online through their website, by mail, or in person at their office on Hanover Street. Online payment is the fastest option and processes when ready.

What if I parked legally but still got a ticket?

Request a hearing within the important date on your ticket. Bring evidence that you parked legally — a photo of the sign, a receipt showing you paid the meter, or a copy of your permit. The hearing officer will review your evidence and decide whether to dismiss the ticket.

How long does it take to get a hearing decision?

After you request a hearing, it typically takes two to four weeks to receive a decision by mail. The exact timeline depends on how busy the hearing office is. You can call the Boston Parking Clerk's office to ask about the status of your hearing.

Will a parking ticket affect my credit score?

A single unpaid parking ticket will not appear on your credit report when ready. However, if the debt goes to a collection agency after months of non-payment, the collection account can appear on your credit report and lower your score.

Can I get a ticket dismissed if the meter was broken?

Yes, if you can show the meter was not working, you have grounds to contest the ticket at a hearing. Take a photo of the broken meter on the day you received the ticket if possible, or request a hearing and explain what happened. The hearing officer will consider whether a working meter would have changed your parking decision.