Non-resident contesting a $100 snow emergency ticket due to financial hardship?

[tooffdk.livejournal.com]

Hey all,

I live in Hyde Park and was visiting a sick friend last Saturday evening in Somerville. I came back to my car to discover a $100 snow emergency ticket.

I am aware of the policy of towing and ticketing cars, but I really didn't know there was a snow emergency declared that night (as I don't live in Somerville, and why would I sign up for alerts for a town I was in for 2 hours, visiting a pal?).

I've been absolutely devastated and anxiety-ridden at the thought of spending $100 on this ticket. Like many people, I am under severe financial hardship.

Anyway, my question is, does anyone think I'd have a shot at contesting this ticket? I'm really not trying to whine about the city policies, but 1. I honestly had no idea there was a snow emergency declared 2. I'm from out of town (MI license plates) 3. It will be EXTREMELY difficult for me to cough up $100 to pay this fine.

Comments

[blondeamazon.livejournal.com]

Umm, this may be bad advice, but don't pay it. You aren't registered in MA and the last I knew, though admitedly this could have changed, most of the states aren't linked up and you car is registered et all in another state. Up to you of course.

[tooffdk.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, it does go back to MI - I've gotten parking tickets here bfore.

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

they eventually find you, and if you amass enough tickets in Mass, they boot your car and make you pay all your tickets, plus a fee to remove the boot. (my husband had this same philosophy when his car was still registered in MO)...

[knowthyself.livejournal.com]

Evidenced by my roommate, whose car has Maine plates, having a boot on it this morning!

[grapefruiteater.livejournal.com]

Yeah, don't do that—I have a friend whose registration was revoked over an unpaid ticket from New Hampshire. It was very complicated and expensive to resolve. Not worth it.