The summer season is upon us, which can only mean one thing – an influx of traffic stemming from tourists, family vacations, and gorgeous weather. As you and your family embark on summertime adventures, we want to help ensure your trips are memorable for all the right reasons, and not because of parking violations that result in unwanted fines or tickets.
As you drive around town looking for the perfect, shady, parking spot keep these laws in mind regarding parking at colored curbs.
• Green– Park for a limited time. Look for a posted sign next to the green zone for time limits, or locate the time limit painted on the curb.
• Yellow– Stop no longer than the time posted to load or unload passengers or freight.
• Red– No stopping, standing, or parking. (Buses may stop at a red zone marked for buses.)
• Blue– Parking is permitted only for a disabled person or driver of a disabled person who displays a placard or special license plate for disabled persons or disabled veterans.
• Note: Placard abuse results in the loss of special parking privileges. It is also a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment in county jail for up to 6 months, or both.
Just when you think you’ve found the perfect spot; make sure it doesn’t fall into one the items below. Here are a few helpful reminders as to where it is illegal to park at any time.*
• On a marked or unmarked crosswalk, sidewalk, partially blocking a sidewalk, or in front of a driveway.
• Within 3 feet of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons or in front of or
on a curb that provides wheelchair access to a sidewalk.
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or a fire station driveway.
• On or within 7½ feet of a railroad track.
• At a red curb.
If it has been a while since you took a driving course, check out the California Driver Handbook. The handbook covers everything you and your family need to know year-round to help ensure you are following proper driving laws, practices and policies.
Make this summer one to remember, stay safe and follow all posted and not posted traffics laws.
*This is not a comprehensive list. Please visit www.dmv.ca.gov for a comprehensive list of places that it is illegal to park in California.