Where to pay your Cambridge parking ticket

You can pay a Cambridge parking ticket online through the city's parking enforcement website, by mail, or in person at the Cambridge Traffic and Parking Department office. The online option is fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the amount due, and payment posts within one business day. If you're paying by mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on the back of your ticket; allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.

The in-person office is located at 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139. You can pay by cash, check, or card during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call ahead at (617) 349-4700 to confirm current hours before you go, since holiday schedules change.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the city website is the fastest method and requires only your ticket number and the dollar amount.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process, so pay early if you have a important date.
  • The Traffic and Parking Department office accepts cash, check, and card payments in person at 344 Broadway.
  • You must pay the full ticket amount by the due date shown on your ticket to avoid additional late fees or collection action.

What information you need to pay online

To pay through the city's online system, have your ticket number ready — it's printed at the top of your ticket. You'll also need the dollar amount due, which is also on the ticket. The system will ask for a payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Online payments are processed when ready, though it may take one business day for the payment to appear in the city's records.

If you've lost your ticket or can't find the number, call the Traffic and Parking Department at (617) 349-4700. They can look up your ticket using your license plate number and vehicle information. Do not wait to call — if your payment important date passes, late fees explore automatically.

Payment important date and late fees

The due date for payment is printed on your ticket, usually 21 days from the date the ticket was issued. If you pay after that date, the city adds a late fee on top of the original ticket amount. The exact late fee varies depending on the violation type, but it is typically 10 to 20 percent of the original fine.

If you do not pay by the important date and do not contest the ticket, the city may report the debt to a collection agency or place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. Paying on time avoids these consequences entirely. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it instead of paying — see the back of your ticket for the appeal process and important date.

Paying by mail or check

Write a check or money order for the exact amount shown on your ticket. Do not send cash through the mail. On the back of the check, write your ticket number so the city can match the payment to your record. Mail it to the address printed on the back of your ticket — this is usually the Traffic and Parking Department's mailing address.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to clear, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to be safe. Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the money order receipt as proof of payment in case there is a delay. If your payment does not appear in the city's system within 10 business days, call (617) 349-4700 with your check number or money order confirmation number.

Paying in person at the Traffic and Parking Department

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139. Bring your ticket and a form of payment: cash, check, or debit or credit card. Payment is processed on the spot, and you'll receive a receipt when ready. This is the best option if you're paying close to the important date and want proof of payment the same day.

Parking is available in the building's lot, though spaces are limited. If you cannot visit during business hours, use the online or mail payment option instead. The office may close for holidays, so call (617) 349-4700 before you go if you're paying near a holiday.

What happens after you pay

Once the city receives and processes your payment, the ticket is marked as paid in their system. You should receive written confirmation by mail within 7 to 10 business days, or you can check your payment status online using your ticket number. Keep this confirmation in your vehicle or records in case you're ever asked to prove the ticket was paid.

If you paid online or in person, the payment is final and non-refundable. If you believe you paid in error or the ticket was issued wrongly, you must contest the ticket through the appeal process, not request a refund. The appeal important date is usually 21 days from the ticket date, the same as the payment important date — you cannot do both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Cambridge parking ticket online with a credit card?

Yes, the city's online payment system accepts credit and debit cards. You'll need your ticket number and the amount due. The payment posts within one business day, and you'll receive a confirmation number when ready after you submit payment.

What if I can't find my ticket number?

Call the Traffic and Parking Department at (617) 349-4700 with your license plate number and vehicle information. They can look up your ticket and tell you the amount due and the important date. Do not delay — calling early gives you time to pay before late fees explore.

Is there a payment plan option if I can't pay the full amount at once?

Cambridge does not typically offer payment plans for parking tickets. You must pay the full amount by the due date. If you have a financial hardship, contact the Traffic and Parking Department to ask about your options, though there is no may provide a plan will be offered.

What if I pay late — how much extra do I owe?

Late fees are typically 10 to 20 percent of the original ticket amount, depending on the violation. The exact fee is not listed on the ticket itself, so call (617) 349-4700 to find out the total amount due if you're paying after the important date.

Can I dispute the ticket instead of paying it?

Yes, the back of your ticket explains how to contest it. You must submit your appeal by the important date shown on the ticket, usually 21 days from the issue date. You cannot both pay the ticket and contest it — you must choose one or the other.