Overnight Parking: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do overnight parking rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Santa Clara has fewer restrictions than Mountain View.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View has no citywide overnight parking ban for passenger vehicles, but 72-hour limits, permit districts, and large vehicle restrictions apply. Sleeping in vehicles on public streets is generally prohibited.
View full Mountain View rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara has no citywide overnight parking ban but enforces CVC 22651(k) 72-hour limits and residential permit zones near SCU and Levi's Stadium.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Citywide overnight ban | None for passenger cars | - |
| Continuous parking limit | 72 hours | - |
| Large vehicle hours | 2 AM - 6 AM prohibited | - |
| Safe parking program | Designated lots only | - |
| Permit districts | Enforced overnight | - |
| Citywide Ban | - | No general overnight ban on streets |
| Permit Zones | - | Enforced 24/7 or during event windows near SCU/stadium |
| 72-Hour Rule | - | State CVC 22651(k) still applies |
| Park Lots | - | Closed after posted hours, typically 10 PM |
| Contact | - | Police Parking Unit (408) 615-4831 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can visitors park on my street overnight?
In non-permit neighborhoods, visitors can park overnight as long as they move the vehicle within 72 hours and avoid street sweeping days. Permit districts require guest passes.
Is it legal to sleep in my car on a Mountain View street?
Vehicle habitation on public streets is prohibited. Mountain View operates a Safe Parking program through nonprofits that provides legal overnight locations for vehicle dwellers.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I park overnight on a Santa Clara street?
Yes, outside of permit districts and stadium tow-away zones, provided you move the vehicle within 72 hours.
Where can I not park overnight?
In RPP districts without a permit, in parks after closing, and on posted stadium event night streets.
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