Parking ticket in Lawrence, MA from 07

[JettaJayGLS]

I dunno what is up with me and parking tickets lately...

I just received in the mail a letter titled "Delinquent Violation Notice" from the City of Lawrence.

It is notifying me that I had a parking ticket issued on 05/10/07 for parking in the wrong direction on Avon Street (wherever the hell that is)...original fine was $20, late fees are $40 so they they want $60. There is absolutely no mention of a way to fight it or a number to call to pay the ticket, just information on how to pay. Honestly, I have no remembrance of any such ticket, I am very very rarely ever in Lawrence...but I mean it was 5 years ago, I guess its possible.

Do I pay this? Collection agency if I don't? I mean, it's been 5 years and I've never once had trouble registering anything or renewing my license because of this.

Guess I could try giving Lawrence town hall a call...

[Falko]

Ever lend your car to anyone? I used to let my roommate in school use my car and come to find out a few days before graduation that I had about 10 campus parking tickets over the past couple years.

[JettaJayGLS]

Ever lend your car to anyone? I used to let my roommate in school use my car and come to find out a few days before graduation that I had about 10 campus parking tickets over the past couple years.

Its possible, I was only 18 at the date of the ticket...I must have just put my car back on the road as It would have been freshman year and I took it off while I was in school...

[SRTie4k]

I seem to recall that parking violations are civil infractions, not moving violations, and will therefore not show up on your license.

[JettaJayGLS]

I seem to recall that parking violations are civil infractions, not moving violations, and will therefore not show up on your license.

I just know I've heard horror stories at people unable to renew a license or registration for un-paid parking tickets.

[gtutunjian]

Lawrence has outsourced collection (as part of an overall parking management program) to a private firm. Page 35 of the RFP says that this firm keeps what it collects (and pays Lawrence separately) so this agency will have a strong incentive to collect on every violation (real or perceived.) Since the RFP was issued in 2010, historical data must have been made available to this firm, too. Sorry.

[aldend123]

I was driving someone's car that had expired registration, and was stopped for it. The owner didn't know why they never received notice in the mail to renew, as they had previously. It was because of outstanding parking tickets. For $60, I'd pay up, or call Lawrence and ask them if there is a way to dispute it. I doubt they affect your license in the same way moving violations do in terms of revocation, but I would believe that it will prevent you from renewals etc. Maybe it just took the town some time to process them?

I also would avoid having any reason to talk to a collection agency.

[rice_rocket]

Okay, so I got the same thing with the city of Boston. My ticket was also in 07, which was ridiculous. I made an inquiry, and in fact found through my bank statements that my parking ticket (which also was my sister in law) was paid ON TIME. Of course it wasn't processed in the system, and so I am penalized a LATE FEE of $14.

Okay so this is a joke right? I spoke in depth with the person there, and they told me that eventually the delinquent ticket will go to the registry and I will have troubles renewing my license etc. Of course my response was that its crap since its 5 years + ago, and I want to appeal. Appeals must have happened within 28 days of issuing the ticket. I did actually appeal the first ticket, which I lost, and paid. BUT in their system, even though my appeal was made, I should have had to pay the ORIGINAL fine 28 days from the issue of the ticket. Disputes must also be within that period of time, and 5 years later is too late.

Basically she said I'm SOL. I said I'm sure I could take the city of Boston to court over this since not only is the fine bogus, but I have proof that I paid within the right times. Still, she said you could try, but it doesn't help.

Yes the notes are coming from an outsourced company because the city of Boston (and I assume Lawrence) went through a large auditing procedure and is now trying to collect.

Bottom line to me.. I want to make a big stink over it.. but for $14 I just don't have time to.... and in your case if you think $60 is worth battling for, if you have enough evidence I'd love to hear from it. Still it's BS. I told them I should have 28 days notice from this 5 years notice since I had never been told my ticket was late. The lady on the line agreed with me, but pretty much said those are the options I have and she cannot do a thing...

[JettaJayGLS]

Okay, so I got the same thing with the city of Boston. My ticket was also in 07, which was ridiculous. I made an inquiry, and in fact found through my bank statements that my parking ticket (which also was my sister in law) was paid ON TIME. Of course it wasn't processed in the system, and so I am penalized a LATE FEE of $14.

Okay so this is a joke right? I spoke in depth with the person there, and they told me that eventually the delinquent ticket will go to the registry and I will have troubles renewing my license etc. Of course my response was that its crap since its 5 years + ago, and I want to appeal. Appeals must have happened within 28 days of issuing the ticket. I did actually appeal the first ticket, which I lost, and paid. BUT in their system, even though my appeal was made, I should have had to pay the ORIGINAL fine 28 days from the issue of the ticket. Disputes must also be within that period of time, and 5 years later is too late.

Basically she said I'm SOL. I said I'm sure I could take the city of Boston to court over this since not only is the fine bogus, but I have proof that I paid within the right times. Still, she said you could try, but it doesn't help.

Yes the notes are coming from an outsourced company because the city of Boston (and I assume Lawrence) went through a large auditing procedure and is now trying to collect.

Bottom line to me.. I want to make a big stink over it.. but for $14 I just don't have time to.... and in your case if you think $60 is worth battling for, if you have enough evidence I'd love to hear from it. Still it's BS. I told them I should have 28 days notice from this 5 years notice since I had never been told my ticket was late. The lady on the line agreed with me, but pretty much said those are the options I have and she cannot do a thing...

Yeah, I'm just gonna pay it...not worth my time, plus I have absolutely no evidence that it didn't happen. I wanted to raise the question and see if there was an easy way out. Thanks for the replies folks.

[zxme]

I would just pay it. You will get seriously pissed off trying to get anywhere with someone at our Great city hall. F-ing crooks..

[tsorfas]

I just know I've heard horror stories at people unable to renew a license or registration for un-paid parking tickets.

that is the case! it wont affect your insurance but you wont be able to renew your license if you owe ANY kind of money at the DMV or state

[Garandman]

Yeah, I'm just gonna pay it...not worth my time, plus I have absolutely no evidence that it didn't happen. I wanted to raise the question and see if there was an easy way out. Thanks for the replies folks.

I'd be inclined to write the collection outfit and tell them "This matter is in dispute." Then get in touch with Lawrence and pay them, if possible.

[SVenpointsixtwo]

Just do what I do: move to a new state every year or two and swap out your plates, so they can never track you down

I'm pretty sure I've had an outstanding ticket in VT for years and I was just able to register two vehicles with no issue. Tickets may be attached to the plate number, not your name.

[rice_rocket]

Wirelessly posted

I had sold the car and no longer have had that plate for probably the most of four or five years...and its linked to my name/registration, not the car or plate..