Massachusetts § 20C - Nature of proceedings under Secs. 20A and 20A1/2; fines
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 20C — Nature of proceedings under Secs. 20A and 20A1/2; fines, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20C. Nature of proceedings under Secs. 20A and 20A1/2; fines
Section 20C. Proceedings under sections twenty A or twenty A1/2 of this chapter shall not be deemed criminal. Whenever there are outstanding against the registered owner of a motor vehicle more than five unpaid parking violations issued by a city or town, said owner or city or town may apply to the clerk of the division of the district or municipal court having jurisdiction to have the matter of these alleged violations treated criminally, and the district or municipal court shall take jurisdiction of the matter. The matter shall thereafter be deemed criminal and the procedures established for criminal cases be followed, provided, however, that the provisions of the second and third paragraphs of section thirty-five A of chapter two hundred and eighteen shall not apply to such cases. Any such fine imposed by the court shall not exceed double the maximum fine provided for in any city or town. Said fine imposed by the court shall be paid back to the said cities or towns where the violation occurred.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 20C
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 20C cover?
Section 20C ("Nature of proceedings under Secs. 20A and 20A1/2; fines") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 20C?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 20C" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 20C apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.