What happens when you get a parking ticket in Boston

A Boston parking violation results in a ticket issued by the Boston Police Department or a parking enforcement officer. The ticket includes a violation code, the location, the date and time, and the fine amount. You will receive either a physical ticket left on your windshield or a citation mailed to the address on your vehicle registration.

Boston parking violations fall into categories based on where you parked illegally — in a no-parking zone, a fire hydrant area, a handicapped space without a permit, an expired meter, or a residential permit zone without proper credentials. Each category carries a different fine, ranging from around $40 for an expired meter to $100 or more for blocking a hydrant or parking in a handicapped space.

You have the right to contest the ticket or pay it. If you do nothing, the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal or refer the debt to a collection agency. Unpaid tickets can also result in a boot being placed on your vehicle or towing.

Key Takeaways

  • Boston parking tickets are issued by the Boston Police Department or parking enforcement officers and include a violation code and fine amount on the ticket itself.
  • You can pay the fine, contest the ticket, or request a hearing — each option has a different important date printed on your ticket.
  • The Boston Parking Clerk's Office handles all parking violation matters and can be reached by phone, mail, or in person at their office on Hanover Street.
  • Unpaid parking tickets can result in registration holds, vehicle booting, or towing, so addressing the ticket promptly prevents additional costs.
  • If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before a hearing officer to present your case.

How to pay a Boston parking ticket

You can pay your parking ticket online through the City of Boston's parking ticket payment portal, by mail, by phone, or in person at the Boston Parking Clerk's Office. The online portal is the fastest method — you will need your ticket number and the ZIP code from your vehicle registration. Payment by phone requires the same information and can be done by calling the Parking Clerk's Office.

If you pay by mail, send a check or money order with your ticket to the Boston Parking Clerk's Office, 200 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108. Include your ticket number and a copy of the ticket itself. Payment by check takes longer to process than online or phone payment, so allow extra time if your important date is approaching.

The important date to pay is typically 21 days from the date the ticket was issued. Paying after the important date does not erase the violation, but it stops additional penalties from accruing. If you miss the payment important date, you can still pay, but you may owe a late fee in addition to the original fine.

How to contest a Boston parking ticket

To contest a ticket, you must request a hearing before a hearing officer. This request must be made in writing and submitted to the Boston Parking Clerk's Office within 21 days of the ticket date. You can submit your request by mail, email, or in person. Include your ticket number, your name, your address, and a brief explanation of why you believe the ticket was issued in error.

Common grounds for contesting include: the sign was obscured or missing, you had a valid permit that was not visible, the meter was broken, or the officer made an error in recording the violation. You do not need a lawyer to request a hearing, and the hearing itself is informal — you will present your case to a hearing officer who will decide whether to uphold or dismiss the ticket.

After you submit your request, the Parking Clerk's Office will schedule a hearing and send you a notice with the date and time. Hearings are typically held at the Boston Parking Clerk's Office or by phone, depending on the circumstances. If you miss your hearing date, the ticket will be upheld by default, so mark the date on your calendar and plan to attend.

Boston Parking Clerk's Office contact information and hours

The Boston Parking Clerk's Office is located at 200 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding city holidays. You can reach them by phone at 617-635-4410 or by email through their website.

If you visit in person, bring your ticket and any supporting documents — such as photos of an obscured sign, proof of a valid permit, or evidence that the meter was broken. Staff can answer questions about your specific ticket, explain your options, and help you understand the next steps. Phone lines can be busy during peak hours, so consider calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon for shorter wait times.

What happens if you ignore a Boston parking ticket

Ignoring a parking ticket does not make it go away. If you do not pay or contest the ticket within the important date, the city will add late fees to your balance. After 60 days of non-payment, the Boston Parking Clerk's Office may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal, preventing you from renewing your registration until the ticket is paid.

If the debt remains unpaid for several months, the city may refer the case to a collection agency or place a boot on your vehicle, immobilizing it until you pay the fine and a boot removal fee. In some cases, the vehicle may be towed. These additional costs — boot removal fees or towing charges — can exceed the original parking fine by several hundred dollars.

If you have multiple unpaid parking tickets, the city may suspend your vehicle registration entirely. This means you cannot legally drive the vehicle until all tickets are resolved. Driving with a suspended registration can result in additional fines and a criminal citation.

Parking permit programs in Boston

Boston offers several parking permit programs to reduce violations for residents and people with disabilities. The Resident Parking Permit allows you to park in your neighborhood's permit zone without a time limit. To obtain one, you must live in Boston, own or lease a vehicle registered in Massachusetts, and register with the city. The permit costs around $75 per year for the first vehicle and more for additional vehicles.

The Handicapped Parking Permit allows people with disabilities to park in designated handicapped spaces or in permit zones without a time limit. You must have a valid disability placard or license plate issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. This permit is free and does not expire as long as your disability placard or plate is valid.

The Visitor Parking Permit allows residents to purchase temporary permits for guests parking in their neighborhood permit zone. These are sold in books of 10 and cost around $20 per book. Each permit is valid for one day and must be displayed on the dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Boston parking ticket online?

Yes. The City of Boston's parking ticket payment portal allows you to pay online using your ticket number and vehicle registration ZIP code. This is the fastest payment method and takes effect when ready. You can access the portal through the city's official website.

What if I was parked legally but still got a ticket?

Request a hearing within 21 days by submitting a written request to the Boston Parking Clerk's Office. Bring evidence such as photos of the sign, proof of a valid permit, or documentation that the meter was broken. A hearing officer will review your case and decide whether to dismiss the ticket.

How much does a Boston parking ticket cost?

Fines vary by violation type. Expired meter violations are typically around $40 to $65, while blocking a fire hydrant or parking in a handicapped space without a permit can cost $100 or more. Your ticket will show the exact fine amount for your specific violation.

What happens if I don't pay my parking ticket?

The city will add late fees and may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. If the debt remains unpaid for several months, your vehicle may be booted or towed, and the debt may be referred to a collection agency. These additional costs can exceed the original fine significantly.

Do I need a lawyer to contest a parking ticket in Boston?

No. You can request a hearing and present your case yourself. The hearing is informal, and you do not need legal representation. However, if you choose to have a lawyer, you may bring one to the hearing.