Bakersfield's Mobility & Curb Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles mobility & curb rules a little differently. In Bakersfield, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Curb Management

Bakersfield uses standard California curb colors including red for no-stopping, yellow for commercial loading, green for short-term parking, white for passenger drop-off, and blue for accessible parking under California Vehicle Code 21458.

Key details: Authority: CVC 21458. Red curb: No stopping. Blue curb fine: 421 dollars. Transit operator: Golden Empire Transit.

Red and blue curb violations carry fines starting at 73 dollars and 421 dollars respectively. Yellow and green curb overstays bring 40 to 60 dollar parking citations from BPD Parking Enforcement.

Bike Lane Rules

Bakersfield maintains a growing bicycle network including the Kern River Parkway Bike Path and Class II striped lanes on major corridors, governed by California Vehicle Code rules and Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 39 traffic provisions.

Key details: Marquee path: Kern River Parkway. Helmet law: Under 18 required. Passing distance: Three feet minimum. Sidewalk rule: Banned downtown.

Bicycle traffic violations are typically infractions with fines from 50 to 250 dollars. Sidewalk riding in prohibited downtown areas brings citation by Bakersfield Police.

The Bottom Line

Bakersfield's mobility & curb rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bakersfield is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Bakersfield can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.