By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would allow cities and town to double the mazimum fine for some parking violations. Current law sets a maximum fine for many violations at $50 if paid within 21 days, $55 if paid after 21 days and $75 if paid after the parking clerk reports the parking offense and fine to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

The bill increases the fines to $100 if paid within 21 days, $110 if paid after 21 days and $150 if paid after the parking clerk reports the parking offense and fine to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Rep. Susan Gifford (R-Wareham), the bill’s sponsor, said the current maximum fines established in have not been changed since 2004, nearly twenty years ago. “This bill does not establish any minimum fines or mandate an increase in any existing fines,” continued Gifford. “It merely gives communities the option to adopt policies that better suit local needs and enforcement priorities.”