How far in the red must I be to get a ticket?
No portion of the vehicle, including the bumper, may extend into the restricted area.
Can I park in a red zone if I am just loading or unloading passengers or cargo? I’ll be quick, and turn on my flashers.
There is no stopping, standing, or parking at any red zone at any time. Turning on your flashers does not allow parking in a restricted zone for any amount of time.
There is no red curb in front of this fire hydrant or bus zone. That means I can park there right?
There is no parking within 15' of a fire hydrant ever. A red curb is not required in front a fire hydrant or a bus zone.
When are commercial zones enforced?
Most commercial zones are enforced 6am-6pm Mon-Sat unless otherwise posted. Please check for any posted signs as there are some areas with variations as they are considered mixed-use zones.
What about white zones, when are they enforced?
Unless otherwise posted a white curb indicates a passenger loading zone and they are enforced 24/7 including weekends and holidays. There must be active loading or unloading of passengers when stopping, standing, or parking at a white curb.
I saw the Street Sweeper go down my street. I can park my car now right?
Vehicles must not stop, stand, or park during the entire designated time period to ensure that street sweeping or maintenance can be completed. Sweepers may make multiple passes down one street. In addition City staff will use the time posted for no parking to perform other maintenance as needed.
View Street Sweeping Schedules
When am I required to cramp my vehicle’s wheels?
All vehicles parked on a hill that have a 3% grade or higher are required to cramp their wheels towards the curb on a downhill and away from the curb on an uphill per the California Vehicle Code.
What is the maximum length of time that I can park my vehicle on the street without moving it?
Vehicles cannot be parked or stored on a public street for extended periods of time. Storage of a vehicle is considered to be a vehicle in excess of 72 hours without being moved at least one-tenth of a mile. Vehicles stored longer than 72 hours are subject to being towed or cited.
Is it legal for residents to paint curbs?
It is illegal for residents to paint anything within the public right-of-way. City maintenance crews must do all curb painting. To request repainting of a faded curb, submit a Street Division Service Request. To request new curb painting, contact Traffic Engineering at (619) 533-3126 or complete and submit the Traffic Request for Service Form.
Who do I call to have an abandoned vehicle removed from a City street?
To have an abandoned vehicle removed, contact the San Diego Police Department/Vehicle Abatement Unit at (858) 495-7856.
How do I recover an impounded vehicle?
If you believe your vehicle may have been towed by the City of San Diego, first search AutoReturn online at https://www.autoreturn.com/san-diego-ca/find-vehicle/, email service-sd-ca@autoreturn.com, or call (619) 527-4392. AutoReturn searches for vehicles towed by the City of San Diego only; if unable to locate your vehicle through AutoReturn, call the Police Non-Emergency phone number at (619) 531-2000.
What telephone number do I call to report illegal parking?
To report illegal parking in your neighborhood, call (619) 531-2000.