Where to pay your Boston parking ticket
You can pay a Boston parking ticket online through the city's Parking Clerk's Office website, by mail, or in person at their office. The online option is the fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the plate number on the citation. The Parking Clerk's Office is located at 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108, and accepts payments during business hours Monday through Friday.
If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the same address along with your ticket. Include the ticket number and your plate number so the payment gets matched to the right citation. Mail payments take longer to process, so allow at least two weeks before assuming it didn't go through.
Online payment through the city website is when ready — your account updates the same day. You can also pay by phone by calling the Parking Clerk's Office directly, though you'll need to have your ticket information ready.
Key Takeaways
- Boston parking tickets can be paid online through the city's Parking Clerk's Office website, which is the fastest method and updates your account the same day.
- You need your ticket number and license plate number to pay online, by phone, or by mail.
- If you disagree with the ticket, you can request a hearing through the Parking Clerk's Office before paying.
- Unpaid tickets accrue late fees and can result in a boot placed on your vehicle or a hold on your vehicle registration renewal.
How much a Boston parking ticket costs
Parking ticket fines in Boston vary depending on the violation. Common violations like parking in a no-parking zone, expired meter, or fire hydrant violations range from $40 to $100. Handicap parking violations and blocking a driveway carry higher fines, typically $100 to $150. The exact amount is printed on your citation.
If you don't pay within a set timeframe, late fees are added to the original fine. Boston charges additional penalties for unpaid tickets, so paying promptly keeps the total cost down. The longer you wait, the more you owe.
Contesting a parking ticket in Boston
If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before paying. You have the right to present your case to a hearing officer. To request a hearing, contact the Parking Clerk's Office and explain why you think the ticket is wrong — for example, if the sign was obscured, if you had a valid permit, or if the meter was broken.
You must request a hearing within a specific timeframe from the ticket date, so don't wait. The Parking Clerk's Office will schedule a hearing date and notify you. You can attend in person or submit a written statement. If the hearing officer agrees with you, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If they uphold the ticket, you'll be required to pay the fine.
What happens if you don't pay
Unpaid parking tickets in Boston accumulate late fees and can lead to serious consequences. After a certain number of unpaid tickets or a certain amount of time, the city may place a boot on your vehicle, which prevents you from driving it until you pay. You'll also be charged a boot removal fee on top of the original fine and late fees.
Unpaid parking tickets can also create a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. When you try to renew your registration, the system will flag the unpaid tickets and prevent renewal until they're settled. This means you cannot legally drive the vehicle, even if your inspection is current.
The city may also report the debt to a collection agency, which can affect your credit. Paying the ticket promptly avoids all of these complications.
Parking ticket payment important date
Boston parking tickets typically must be paid or contested within 21 days of the ticket date. This important date is printed on the citation itself, so check your ticket for the exact date. If you miss this window, you lose the right to request a hearing and late fees begin to accrue.
If you've already missed the important date, you can still pay the ticket and stop additional penalties from building up. Contact the Parking Clerk's Office to confirm the current amount owed, including any late fees that have been added.
Paying online step by step
Go to the City of Boston's official website and locate the Parking Clerk's Office payment portal. Enter your ticket number and license plate number in the search fields. The system will display the violation, the fine amount, and any late fees that have been added.
Review the details to make sure they match your ticket. Select your payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check — and complete the transaction. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Save this confirmation for your records. Your payment will be recorded in the city's system within hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Boston parking ticket by credit card?
Yes, the online payment system accepts credit and debit cards. You can also pay by electronic check online. If you pay by mail or in person, call the Parking Clerk's Office to confirm what payment methods they accept at that location.
What if I lost my parking ticket?
You can still pay using your license plate number. Contact the Parking Clerk's Office with your plate number and they can look up any outstanding tickets associated with it. You'll need to provide your vehicle information to retrieve the ticket details.
Do I need to pay if I have a valid resident parking permit?
If you have a valid permit for the zone where you parked, you can request a hearing to have the ticket dismissed. Bring your permit and proof of residency to the hearing, or submit them in writing. The hearing officer will review whether the permit was valid at the time of the citation.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up?
Online payments are processed when ready and your account updates the same day. You'll receive a confirmation number right after payment. If you need written proof of payment, you can print or save your confirmation.
Can the city boot my car for one unpaid ticket?
Booting typically happens after multiple unpaid tickets or a significant amount of time has passed without payment. The exact threshold varies, so contact the Parking Clerk's Office if you're concerned about an unpaid ticket. Paying it promptly prevents this from becoming an issue.