California law addresses parked or abandoned cars that might create an accident hazard.
The particular California Vehicle Codes (CVC) require drivers to make sure the brakes are set on any vehicle they must leave unattended. They also explain the places drivers should never leave their vehicles unless it’s in an emergency situation.
- No person driving, or in control of, or in charge of, a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand on any highway unattended without first effectively setting the brakes thereon and stopping the motor thereof.
A person shall not stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle whether attended or unattended, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a peace officer or official traffic control device, in any of the following places:
(a) Within an intersection, except adjacent to curbs as may be permitted by local ordinance.
(b) On a crosswalk, except that a bus engaged as a common carrier or a taxicab may stop in an unmarked crosswalk to load or unload passengers when authorized by the legislative body of a city pursuant to an ordinance.
(c) Between a safety zone and the adjacent right-hand curb or within the area between the zone and the curb as may be indicated by a sign or red paint on the curb, which sign or paint was erected or placed by local authorities pursuant to an ordinance.
(d) Within 15 feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station. This subdivision does not apply to any vehicle owned or operated by a fire department and clearly marked as a fire department vehicle.
(e) (1) In front of a public or private driveway, except that a bus engaged as a common carrier, school bus, or a taxicab may stop to load or unload passengers when authorized by local authorities pursuant to an ordinance.
Set a Brake for Safety on Unattended Cars
CVC 22515 asks all drivers and car owners to set the brakes on any vehicle that must be left unattended. They must also make sure the engine is not running.
The code goes further to force all owners and riders of non-motorized vehicles left unattended to make sure a brake is set. If no brake is available, owners should put blocks under the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving.
Among other things, the code seeks to prevent drivers from leaving their vehicles parked with the motor running. It also seeks to stop drivers from leaving a vehicle that may roll away and cause serious accidents.
Remember: You may have left your car in a legal spot, but leaving it running or without a brake set can still earn you a traffic ticket.
See: What happens if you lend your car to someone and there’s an accident?
Where You Can’t Park an Unattended Vehicle
CVC 22500 details where you must not park or leave a vehicle, whether you will remain nearby or not. You can be cited for parking in an illegal spot even if you remain in the vehicle. Cars left in illegal spots can also create traffic hazards or become traffic hazards.
This is a short list of some of the places the code prohibits parking:
- Within an intersection
- Between a safety zone and a right-hand curb, usually marked off by red paint or a sign
- Within 15 feet of a fire department driveway
- In front of a public or private driveway
- On a bridge or in a tunnel
- On a sidewalk
- Along a construction zone where the vehicle will block traffic
- In or near a crosswalk
Under paragraph (n) of the code, drivers may not park within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. Or within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present.
This is a list of some of the exceptions that exist in the parking statute:
- Emergency vehicles and certain state, county, and city vehicles can park in some of the areas mentioned
- Public transit vehicles, such as city buses, could park or stop in many of these spots
- When an emergency exists, drivers will be excused for stopping in a prohibited area
- When an law enforcement officer instructs someone to stop in the zone
- When a local ordinance permits the parking
When You Could Need a Lawyer for Your Case
If you are seriously injured in an accident caused by a careless driver or car owner, it’s a good idea to go over your case with a lawyer. A lawyer can help you prove that a driver parked in a dangerous spot and ignored vehicle codes, allowing you to get hurt.
To find out what your case may be worth, contact Maison Law for a free case consultation.
There’s no obligation for your meeting. But if you do need our help, you don’t have to worry about how you’ll pay a lawyer at such a tough time. We aren’t paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the check the insurance company must write for you.