Bill > H4231

This bill authorizes the city of Cambridge to expand its parking enforcement capabilities by introducing new methods for issuing parking violation notices. Currently, parking violations are typically handled by placing a ticket directly on a vehicle, but this bill allows Cambridge to mail notices to vehicle owners when direct ticketing is not possible or safe. The bill specifically permits the use of automated license plate readers (ALPR) and similar parking monitoring technologies to detect and document parking violations. When a violation is detected by these technologies, the city can send a notice to the vehicle's registered owner within ten days, excluding Sundays and holidays. The bill requires that any notice of violation include evidence of the infraction, such as photographs or monitoring data, to ensure transparency and fairness in the enforcement process. Importantly, notices mailed to the address listed in the vehicle registration records will be considered sufficient legal notification, and a certificate from the enforcement officer stating that the notice was mailed can be used as prima facie evidence in judicial or administrative proceedings. The bill takes full effect immediately upon passage, giving Cambridge more flexible tools for parking enforcement while maintaining documentation standards.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4231