Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors
Food truck permits, vending zones, and mobile vendor regulations.
Three inspectors can lawfully show up at one food truck. The county health department licenses the food itself and the commissary kitchen the truck must report to. The fire marshal checks the propane and suppression systems. The city controls the curb: vending zones, distance minimums from restaurants and schools, and operating hours.
Sidewalk carts became their own regime after several states decriminalized sidewalk vending and required cities to permit rather than prohibit. The commissary requirement remains the rule that surprises new operators most.
All 50 States: Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors at the State Level
Each tile shows the strongest state-level rule for that state. Click a state to see its full statewide rules and how local cities are constrained.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
What's Covered
Food Truck Permits
Licenses and health permits required to operate a food truck, including fees, inspections, and renewal requirements.
Vending Zones
Designated areas where food trucks and mobile vendors can operate, including time limits, distance from restaurants, and residential area restrictions.
Sidewalk & Mobile Vending
Permits and rules for sidewalk vendors and pushcarts, where vending is allowed, cart and equipment standards, and the distance and hours rules that come with a vendor permit.