Appeals Information

Appeal to a Parking Violation Notice

The following do not constitute valid reasons for dismissing a ticket:

• You did not see the No Parking sign.
• You did not know that parking was restricted in the area where the violation occurred.
• You were only there for a short time.
• You have never been ticketed for this violation before.
• Obstructing traffic or parking on a crosswalk or sidewalk is a violation even if it is only partial.
• There were no other places to park.
• Other cars didn't receive a ticket.
• You think that the fine is too high.
• A ticket WILL NOT be dismissed if a Handicap Plate/Placard is found to be in
  violations of state and/or local ordinances not bound by the handicap laws.

Parking Ticket Options: Payment or Appeal 

Vehicle Owner has 21-day period to pay the Parking Violation ticket; OR File an Appeal Request online or by handwritten form by mail. 

Failure to pay or appeal a parking violation within twenty-one (21) days will result in additional late fees, and may also result in the non-renewal of the registered owner’s driver’s license and/or vehicle registration (M.G.L. c. 90 §§ 20A½ - 20C, and 20E as amended) and may also be subject to the tow and hold provisions of M.G.L. c. 90 § 20A½. The law does not affect in any way your right to appeal to Superior Court.   

In essence:

1. Paying the ticket is considered an admission of guilt.
2. Once you pay, you lose the opportunity to contest the ticket in a hearing.
3. The payment serves as the final disposition of the case, according to Massachusetts state law. 

How to File for an Appeal Hearing

All Appeals are due in the office within 21-days from the date the ticket was issued. Decisions made by the Municipal Hearings Officer are final. An appellant may appeal the Municipal Hearings Officer’s decision as outlined by M.G.L. Chapter 40, § 21D. 

In-Person or By Mail Appeal Hearings

All In-person appeals are currently being held at The City Hall by the Parking Hearing Officer Town. You will be contacted by the Parking Clerk’s Administrator who will schedule the hearing and notify you of the date, and time. The Municipal Hearing Officer shall render a decision within 21-days of the date of the hearing and shall provide the Vehicle Owner with a decision in writing. Failure to appear In person shall result in the fine to be re-instated. 

If you prefer to submit an Administrative Appeal (by mail or e-mail), you must submit your evidence, diagrams or documentation with this form. EXAMPLE OF EVIDENCE: Copy of any online confirmation receipts, H/P Card, Vehicle Rental Agreement, Registration, Inspection Report, or Vehicle Bill of Sale. You will not be required to appear in-person. The Municipal Hearing Officer shall render a decision within 21-days of the date of the hearing and shall provide the Vehicle Owner with a decision in writing.