California Vehicle Code 22953 covers parking lot regulation in the state of California. This law provides provisions for public parking lots and private parking facilities. Unlawful removal of parked vehicles on private property will result in fines two to three times the amount charged for towing and storing another person’s vehicle.
Private Parking Lot Law in California
When you park in a privately owned parking lot, you are entrusting the property owner with your property. However, this does not give them the right to move, restrict, or ticket your vehicle. According to CVC 22952, every person engaged in the operation of off-street parking facilities is guilty of a violation if:
- A person tows or removes or authorizes the towing and removal of any vehicle within 24 hours of the expiration period for which a parking fee has been charged.
- A person tows a vehicle from a parking lot that is held open to the public and has no attendant on duty.
California Vehicle Code 22953 states the rights of private parking lot owners:
“(a) An owner or person in lawful possession of private property that is held open to the public, or a discernible portion thereof, for parking of vehicles at no fee, or an employee or agent thereof, shall not tow or remove, or cause the towing or removal, of a vehicle within one hour of the vehicle being parked.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a vehicle may be removed immediately after being illegally parked within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in a fire lane, in a manner that interferes with an entrance to, or an exit from, the private property, or in a parking space or stall legally designated for disabled persons.
(c) Subdivision (a) does not apply to property designated for parking at residential property, or to property designated for parking at a hotel or motel where the parking stalls or spaces are clearly marked for a specific room.
(d) It is the intent of the Legislature in the adoption of subdivision (a) to avoid causing the unnecessary stranding of motorists and placing them in dangerous situations, when traffic citations and other civil remedies are available, thereby promoting the safety of the general public.
(e) A person who violates subdivision (a) is civilly liable to the owner of the vehicle or his or her agent for two times the amount of the towing and storage charges.”
Parking Lot Rules to Follow in California
In California, you are generally subject to all parking lot laws whether there is a sign or not. However, an exception is parking restrictions related to street sweeping. Street sweeping schedules must be posted on signs at least at the entrance of each block. If they are not posted, then drivers cannot be cited for a violation.
Another parking rule in California is that drivers must be given notice by a sign or by a citation before their vehicle is towed. In California, drivers are generally NOT allowed to park in the following areas:
- Within 20 feet of a crosswalk, or 15 feet where a curb extension exists
- Within 15 feet of a fire station driveway or fire hydrant
- In an area that blocks a public or private driveway
- On the sidewalk
- On a bridge
- Over 1 and a half feet from a curb when parallel parked
- On private property without permission
- On the wrong side of the street, facing the opposing flow of traffic
How Far From a Driveway Do I Need to Park?
The length of a driveway is established by the span of the “curb cuts,” which is from the top of where the concrete slopes up to the other side of the curb at the top of its slope. If your vehicle is in this “curb cut” area, then you would be in violation of blocking the driveway, even if you are not directly blocking the driveway. So, you are permitted to park your vehicle anywhere in the curb cut area.
Curbs with different colors also imply laws California driver must follow. The colored curbs include:
- Yellow curb: commercial loading up to thirty minutes, general passenger loading up to five minutes
- Green curb: short-term parking for either 15 or 30 minutes, which will be noted on a street signs
- Blue curb: reserved for valid holders of a disabled placard, or are driving the disabled placard holder
- White curb: ONLY for five-minute passenger loading, 24/7.
- Red curb: No stopping or parking at any time unless indicated otherwise
Contact a Parking Lot Accident Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a careless driver in a parking lot or you need help understanding your legal options after a traffic violation, the attorneys at Maison Law are here to help. Half the battle in legal situations is knowing your rights. Our firm specializes in protecting the rights of our clients and advocating on their behalf in court. For trusted legal counsel, contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. No upfront money is required and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
