California Vehicle Code 22500 regulates where vehicles can stop, stand, or park. This law is designed to maintain adequate traffic flow and prevent congestion in certain areas. Violators can receive citations, heavy fines, or even have their vehicle towed for violating CVC 22500.
Where are Common Restricted Vehicle Areas in California?
It is a violation to stop, stand, or park in intersections, crosswalks, or within fifteen feet of a fire station driveway. Traffic cannot be impeded in these areas to keep pedestrians and other drivers safe, as well as maintain a flow of traffic in emergency situations. Common examples of vehicles parking in restricted areas include:
- Taxi cab or Uber drivers leaving their vehicles in a crosswalk
- A driver parallel parking while leaving the end of their vehicle in an intersection
- A vehicle obstructing the driveway of a private residence
A violation of CVC 22500 is an infraction, which is considered a crime under California law. However, this crime is not considered a misdemeanor or felony. In most cases, violators will receive a ticket, costing around $250. According to California’s DMV, a CVC 22500 will not result in a point on your driving record.
Should I Plead Guilty to a Traffic Citation in California?
No. You are not required to plead guilty to a parking or traffic citation. If you are innocent, there are legal strategies to challenge false or incorrect accusations stating you violated CVC 22500. These legal strategies include:
- You were following police instructions, which caused you to violate the traffic law
- You were in violation of the law while avoiding collision with another vehicle
- You were provided with an exemption from this law by a local, state, or federal entity
California Vehicle Code 22500 provides additional exemptions for drivers who violate the statute. The law states:
“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, schoolbus, or a taxicab may stop to load or unload passengers when authorized by local authorities pursuant to an ordinance.”
Can a Parking Violation Impact a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Depending on the circumstances, yes, a violation of this law can potentially hurt your personal injury lawsuit. For example, let’s say you were injured due to another driver. But before the accident, you were in violation of CVC 22500. You may be found partially responsible for your own injuries under the Comparative Negligence Law, which states:
“Under the pure comparative negligence rule, the state allows the plaintiff to claim damages for the 1% they are not at fault even when they are 99% at fault.”
However, in any personal injury accident, you should never admit fault. Fault will be determined through the legal process of investigations, interrogatories, depositions, and trials (if necessary).
Contact a Vehicle Accident Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a careless driver 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.
