Street Parking Limits: Bakersfield vs Ridgecrest
How do street parking limits rules compare between Bakersfield, CA and Ridgecrest, CA?
Bakersfield and Ridgecrest have similar restriction levels.
Bakersfield, CA
Kern County
Bakersfield does not generally ban overnight street parking, but BMC 10.40.010 makes it unlawful for any vehicle (operable or not) to remain parked on a public street or alley for more than 72 consecutive hours. Posted time-limit signs (set under BMC 10.72.070) and the city's Residential Permit Parking Program also restrict parking in specific zones.
View full Bakersfield rules →Ridgecrest, CA
Kern County
Ridgecrest regulates street parking under Chapter 15 (Traffic and Vehicles) of the RMC. Certain streets have time-restricted or prohibited parking zones.
View full Ridgecrest rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bakersfield | Ridgecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC 10.40.010 (72-hour rule); BMC 10.72.070 (posted time limits) | - |
| 72-Hour Limit | Applies to all vehicles on any public street/alley | - |
| RV Limit on Streets | 72 hours (BMC 10.40.010) | - |
| Permit-Parking Authority | CVC 22507; near Bakersfield College | - |
| Governing code | - | RMC Chapter 15 (Traffic and Vehicles) |
| 72-hour rule | - | Vehicles parked 72+ hours may be cited — CVC §22651 |
| Time-restricted streets | - | Per RMC schedule — check with Police for specific streets |
| Contact | - | Ridgecrest PD Traffic: (760) 499-5500 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bakersfield FAQ
Is overnight street parking allowed in Bakersfield?
Yes — there is no general citywide overnight street parking ban. However, BMC 10.40.010 prohibits parking any vehicle on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours, and posted time-limit signs control where they exist.
How long can I leave my car on the street in Bakersfield?
No more than 72 consecutive hours under BMC 10.40.010. After that, the vehicle may be tagged, ticketed, and towed by the Bakersfield Police Department.
Where is residential permit parking enforced in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield's Residential Permit Parking Program currently covers neighborhoods adjacent to Bakersfield College, where weekday daytime parking is limited to residents and guests with city-issued permits.
Ridgecrest FAQ
How long can I park on the street in Ridgecrest?
Ridgecrest regulates street parking under Chapter 15 (Traffic and Vehicles) of the RMC. Certain streets have time-restricted or prohibited parking zones.
Are there overnight street parking restrictions in Ridgecrest?
Governing code: RMC Chapter 15 (Traffic and Vehicles). 72-hour rule: Vehicles parked 72+ hours may be cited — CVC §22651. Time-restricted streets: Per RMC schedule — check with Police for specific streets. Contact: Ridgecrest PD Traffic: (760) 499-5500.
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