Boston parking tickets go to the Parking Clerk's Office, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person

Boston parking violations are issued by the Boston Police Department and handled by the Parking Clerk's Office, which is part of the city's court system. You have several ways to pay: the fastest is the city's online portal at boston.gov/parking, where you can pay by credit card or debit card using your ticket number. You can also mail a check or money order to the Parking Clerk's Office at 1 Courthouse Way, Boston, MA 02108, or pay in person at that same address during business hours.

The ticket itself tells you the violation code, the fine amount, and the date by which you must respond. Boston parking fines range from $40 to $300 depending on the violation — expired meter violations are typically lower, while blocking a fire hydrant or parking in a handicap space costs more. If you pay within 21 days of the ticket date, you pay the full fine. After 21 days, the city adds a late fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay online at boston.gov/parking using your ticket number and a credit or debit card, or mail a check to the Parking Clerk's Office at 1 Courthouse Way.
  • Fines range from $40 to $300 depending on the violation type, and a late fee is added if you pay more than 21 days after the ticket date.
  • You can request a hearing to contest the ticket, but you must do so within 21 days by submitting a written request to the Parking Clerk's Office.
  • If you do not pay or request a hearing within 21 days, the city may place a boot on your vehicle or report the debt to a collection agency.
  • Unpaid parking tickets can prevent vehicle registration renewal and may affect your ability to renew your license plate.

Contesting a ticket through a hearing

If you believe the ticket was issued in error — for example, you had a valid permit, the meter was broken, or the sign was obscured — you can request a hearing with the Parking Clerk's Office. You must submit your request in writing within 21 days of the ticket date. Include your ticket number, a brief explanation of why you contest the violation, and any supporting evidence such as photos, receipts, or permit documentation.

Mail your hearing request to the Parking Clerk's Office at the same address listed on your ticket, or submit it online through boston.gov/parking if that option is available. The office will schedule a hearing date and notify you by mail. At the hearing, you can present your case to a hearing officer. If the officer finds in your favor, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If the officer upholds the ticket, you must pay the fine.

The hearing process typically takes four to eight weeks from the date you submit your request. During that time, you are not required to pay the fine, but if you lose the hearing, any late fees that accrued while you waited will be added to your bill.

What happens if you do not pay or respond

If you do not pay the fine or request a hearing within 21 days, the city escalates collection efforts. The Parking Clerk's Office may place a boot (a locking device) on your vehicle's wheel, which prevents you from driving it. To remove the boot, you must pay the original fine plus a boot fee, which is typically $100 to $150.

The city can also report the unpaid ticket to a collection agency, which may pursue the debt and damage your credit score. More when ready, unpaid parking tickets can prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will not issue a new registration if you have outstanding parking violations in Boston or any other Massachusetts municipality.

If your vehicle is booted and you do not pay within a set period (usually 24 to 48 hours), the city may have it towed and impounded. Towing and storage fees add several hundred dollars to your total debt.

Parking violations and vehicle registration renewal

Before you can renew your registration with the Registry of Motor Vehicles, the state checks whether you have unpaid parking violations in any Massachusetts city or town. If Boston shows an outstanding ticket on your record, your registration renewal will be denied until you resolve it.

This applies even if you have requested a hearing and are waiting for the decision. If you are unsure whether you have outstanding violations, you can contact the Parking Clerk's Office directly or check your record online at boston.gov/parking using your ticket number or vehicle information.

Payment methods and confirmation

Online payment through boston.gov/parking is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number on screen. Keep this number for your records. Credit and debit card payments are accepted; the site does not accept PayPal or other third-party payment services.

If you pay by mail, send a check or money order made out to the "City of Boston" and include your ticket number on the check. Mail takes seven to ten business days to arrive, so send it well before the 21-day important date. The Parking Clerk's Office does not send payment confirmations by mail, so keep a copy of your check or receipt.

In-person payment at 1 Courthouse Way accepts cash, check, and card. Hours vary by season, so call ahead or check boston.gov/parking for current office hours before you go.

Reduced fines and hardship situations

Boston does not have a formal program to reduce or waive parking fines based on financial hardship. However, if you have extenuating circumstances — such as a medical emergency that caused you to park illegally, or a sign that was clearly missing or damaged — you can explain this in your hearing request. The hearing officer has discretion to consider your circumstances, though they are not required to reduce the fine.

Some violations may be dismissed if you can prove you had a valid permit or that the parking restriction did not explore at the time. For example, if you received a ticket for parking in a snow emergency zone but the restriction had been lifted, you can present evidence of that at your hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Boston parking ticket with a credit card by phone?

No. Boston does not accept phone payments for parking tickets. You must pay online at boston.gov/parking, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at the Parking Clerk's Office. Online payment is the fastest method and is processed when ready.

What if I lost my parking ticket and do not have the ticket number?

You can look up your ticket using your license plate number on boston.gov/parking. If you cannot find it online, contact the Parking Clerk's Office by phone or visit in person with your vehicle registration. They can search their records by plate number and provide you with the ticket details and amount owed.

Do I have to pay a parking ticket if I was not the one driving?

The ticket is issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver. As the registered owner, you are responsible for paying it or requesting a hearing. You can explain at the hearing that someone else was driving, but you will need evidence — such as a witness or proof that the vehicle was in someone else's possession at the time.

How long does it take to remove a boot after I pay?

If you pay in person at the Parking Clerk's Office during business hours, the boot is typically removed the same day. If you pay online or by mail, allow one to two business days for the payment to be processed and the boot removal to be scheduled. Call the office to confirm the boot has been removed before you attempt to drive the vehicle.

Can I get a refund if I paid a ticket and then won a hearing?

Yes. If you paid the fine and later won your hearing, the Parking Clerk's Office will refund the amount you paid. Submit your hearing request even after you have paid if you believe the ticket was issued in error. The refund process typically takes four to six weeks.