Parking Ban: Brunswick, Maine

Parking in Brunswick, Maine is subject to a variety of regulations and restrictions. The town enforces parking laws and ordinances on town streets, with the Brunswick Police Department strictly enforcing parking restrictions near Bowdoin College. To avoid a parking ticket, it is essential to obey posted parking signs and be mindful of any declared parking bans. Emergency parking bans are typically implemented during or after storm events, particularly in connection with snow removal, to ensure safe and efficient road clearance. During these times, no overnight parking is permitted on town roads or in municipal parking lots. The town provides designated lots for overnight parking during winter parking bans, with vehicles required to be relocated by 7:00 AM to facilitate snow removal.

Where not to park in Brunswick, Maine

The town of Brunswick, Maine, has several parking ordinances in place to discourage people from parking in locations that pose a traffic safety hazard and to encourage the turnover of parking spaces. Here are some places where you should not park to avoid getting a parking ticket or having your car towed:

Don't Park Near Crosswalks or Intersections

You should not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk or intersection. This rule applies throughout the town of Brunswick and is enforced to maintain visibility and safety at these busy locations.

Stay Clear of Fire Hydrants

Another important rule is to not park within 7 feet of a fire hydrant. This ensures that fire hydrants are easily accessible in the event of a fire emergency.

Avoid Yellow Curbs and No Parking Signs

Keep an eye out for yellow-painted curbs, "no parking" signs, or pavement painted with yellow or white diagonal stripes. These markings indicate that parking is not allowed in those areas.

Obey Time Limits

Brunswick has timed parking zones in certain areas. Be sure to obey the posted time limits to avoid overstaying your welcome and receiving a ticket.

Don't Block Driveways or Narrow Travel Lanes

Don't park in areas that would obstruct a driveway or leave less than 10 feet in the travel lane next to your vehicle. This rule is in place to ensure that traffic can flow smoothly and that residents can access their driveways without obstruction.

Park with the Correct Wheels Next to the Curb

When parallel parking, always position your vehicle so that your passenger-side wheels are adjacent to the curb. On the other hand, when using diagonal parking, make sure your front wheels are closest to the curb.

Don't Park During a Snow Removal Parking Ban

During snowstorms or freezing rain, the town of Brunswick may declare a parking ban to facilitate snow removal. Do not park on town roads or in municipal parking lots during these bans, as your car may be towed.

Respect Disability Parking Spaces

Only park in spots marked for people with disabilities if you or your passenger have a disability placard. No one should park in the access aisle adjacent to a disability parking spot, even if they have a placard.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that parking in Brunswick, Maine, is safe and accessible for everyone.

How to avoid a parking ticket

In Brunswick, Maine, parking ordinances are in place to discourage people from parking in locations that pose a safety hazard and to encourage parking space turnover. To avoid a parking ticket, you should:

• Obey the time limits in timed parking zones.
• Avoid parking on yellow-painted curbs, near "no parking" signs, or on pavement painted with yellow or white diagonal stripes.
• Ensure your passenger-side wheels are adjacent to the curb when parallel parking.
• Ensure your front wheels are closest to the curb when parking diagonally.
• Avoid parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or intersection, or within 7 feet of a fire hydrant.
• Only park in a spot marked for those with disabilities if you or your passenger have been issued a disability placard.
• Do not park in the access aisle adjacent to a disabled parking spot, even with a placard.
• Do not park during a parking ban, which is usually declared in connection with snow removal.
• Avoid parking in areas that would obstruct a driveway or leave less than 10 feet in the travel lane next to your vehicle.

Additionally, you can use mobile apps or set reminders to keep track of street parking restrictions and avoid parking tickets.

Overnight parking restrictions

The town of Brunswick, Maine, enforces parking laws and ordinances on town streets. These ordinances are intended to discourage people from parking in locations that pose a traffic safety hazard and to encourage the turnover of parking spaces.

In addition to these street-specific restrictions, there are also town-wide overnight parking bans that are routinely declared during winter storm events or for clean-up after a storm. During these parking bans, no overnight parking is permitted on all town roads or in any municipal parking lots, including the Recreation Center. Residents requiring overnight parking during these bans can use the designated Cabot Street municipal lot and the Cedar Street Park & Ride lot, but they must relocate their vehicles by 7:00 AM to allow for snow removal.

It is important to note that parking restrictions are also in place on certain streets with fire hydrants, and after two inches of snow has fallen, parking is prohibited on all streets.

What to do if your car is towed

In Brunswick, Maine, emergency parking bans are typically declared during or after snow events. If you park on the street during a parking ban, your car will be towed at your expense.

If your car has been towed, here's what you should do:

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

It's natural to feel stressed or panicked when you realize your car has been towed. Take a moment to gather yourself and assess the situation. Look for any signs that indicate parking restrictions or towing company contact information. Think about whether you might have parked illegally or broken any other rules that could have resulted in your car being towed.

Contact the Police or Use Online Resources

If you suspect your car has been towed, you can call the local police department's non-emergency number (not 911) to inquire about your vehicle's whereabouts. In some cities, police departments provide information through websites that list towed vehicles. You can also visit your city's towed vehicle locator website, if available, and search for your vehicle using its VIN or license plate number.

Find Out Where the Car Has Been Towed

If you determine that your car has been towed, the next step is to find out which towing company has it and where it is located. Contact the towing company or the police department to get this information. In Brunswick, Maine, if your car was towed due to a parking ban or traffic hazard, you can contact the Brunswick Police Dispatch at 207-725-5521 to find out which towing company has your car.

Understand the Fees and Charges

Once you know which towing company has your car, contact them to understand the fees and charges you will need to pay to retrieve your vehicle. There will likely be a towing fee, and there may also be storage fees for each day your car is in the impound lot. Ask about the accepted payment methods and any other costs you may need to cover.

Gather the Necessary Documents and Funds

Before you can retrieve your car, you will typically need to provide certain documents and pay the required fees. The required documents may include your driver's license, vehicle registration information, proof of insurance, and vehicle identification number (VIN). Make sure you have the necessary funds available, as some impound lots only accept cash or cashier's checks.

Retrieve Your Car

After you have gathered the necessary documents and funds, you can proceed to the impound lot to retrieve your car. Present the required documents, pay the fees, and follow any additional instructions provided by the towing company. Remember to act quickly, as storage fees can accumulate over time, increasing the total cost.

How to appeal a parking ticket

In Brunswick, Maine, parking bans are routinely declared during or after winter storm events. During a parking ban, no overnight parking is permitted on town roads or in municipal parking lots, except in the Cabot Street municipal lot and the Cedar Street Park & Ride lot. Vehicles must be relocated from these two lots by 7:00 am to allow for snow removal. If you park on the street during a parking ban, your car will be ticketed and towed at your expense.

If you receive a parking ticket in Brunswick, Maine, you can appeal it by following these steps:

• Review the ticket: Read the ticket carefully to understand the reason for the citation and identify any errors or discrepancies. Look for issues such as incorrect vehicle information, inaccurate date and time, or illegible signatures from the issuing officer.
• Gather evidence: If you believe the ticket was issued in error, gather any supporting evidence. This may include photographs of the parking location, signs, or relevant circumstances that led to the ticket. For example, take a picture of the posted sign if the ticket involves parking in a restricted area.
• Identify the statute: Check the ticket for the statute or ordinance number that you allegedly violated. Look up the statute online or at City Hall/local library to understand the specific parking regulation.
• Look for loopholes or exceptions: Review the statute carefully for any loopholes or exceptions that may apply to your situation. For instance, some handicapped parking statutes require specific signage or markings, and a missing or obscured sign could be a valid defence.
• Submit your appeal promptly: Act quickly, as there is usually a time limit for submitting appeals, which is typically mentioned on the ticket. In Brunswick, Maine, you can appeal a parking ticket by contacting Parking Enforcement Officer Holly Warner via email or phone. If you are not satisfied with the initial response, you can proceed to file a formal appeal using the online parking ticket appeal form or by contacting Sergeant Thomas Stanton via email or phone.
• Prepare your case: Whether you are submitting a written appeal or attending a hearing, be clear and concise in stating your case. Include relevant information such as the date and time of the ticket, the statute cited, and the reason why you believe the ticket should be dismissed. Provide any supporting evidence you have gathered.
• Attend the hearing (if required): If your appeal proceeds to a hearing, arrive on time and dress appropriately. Bring copies of your appeal and supporting evidence. Present your case respectfully and answer any follow-up questions calmly and politely.

Remember, some common excuses for parking tickets, such as claiming ignorance of the law or being unable to afford the fine, are typically not valid defences. However, by following the above steps and providing solid evidence to support your claim, you may have a successful chance of getting your parking ticket dismissed.

Frequently asked questions