Feeding a meter in Brookline costs more as of July 19. Let it expire, and the ticket is $45 — up from $25 or $30 — the first increase in nearly two decades.

The new fines apply to more than 40 parking violations across town, with penalties now ranging from $45 to $100. The Select Board voted unanimously on May 13 to raise the rates on advice from the Transportation Board, projecting more than $1.1 million in new annual revenue for a town facing a $5.3 million budget gap over three years, according to Brookline.News.

What drivers will pay

The most common violations — exceeding a meter time limit or failing to pay a meter — jumped from $25 or $30 to $45. Double parking rose from $30 to $50. Stopping on a crosswalk or sidewalk climbed from $25 to $50.

Some of the steepest fines stayed the same: parking in an accessible space or ramp remains $100, as does parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. Violating an emergency snow ban and stopping or standing in a bike lane remain $50.

The higher amounts apply only to violations that occur on or after July 19. Tickets issued before that date carry the old rates.

Town Administrator Charles Carey first proposed the increase at a March 31 Select Board meeting, initially recommending a flat $40 for most violations. "We have not touched parking fines since 2007," Carey said at that meeting. "We're due. Other communities are higher than we are now."

Select Board member Anthony Buono pushed the number higher at the May 13 vote, moving to set most fines at $45. The board passed the new schedule unanimously.

The Charles River Regional Chamber had asked the board to delay the decision so businesses could weigh in, arguing higher fines for routine violations could discourage customers from shopping and dining in Brookline. Greg Reibman, the chamber's president, said in a message to Brookline.News after the May 13 vote that he hoped the board would "revisit the fines and give the business community an opportunity to weigh in on them."

What to know if you get a ticket

Under Massachusetts law, an RMV hold is placed on a vehicle's registration for unpaid tickets after 42 days, preventing registration renewal until the balance is paid. Vehicles with more than five unpaid tickets may be towed.

Drivers who want to contest a ticket should not pay it first. Payment is considered final disposition of the violation, according to the Brookline Police Department.

The full updated fine schedule and information on paying or appealing tickets is available here.