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Sonoma, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: TNC Pickup Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Zone type: Passenger loading zone, white curb (SMC § 10.52.010(C),(F))
Curb length cap: Max 1/2 of block's curb length for loading zones (SMC § 10.52.010(D))
Time limit: Loading/unloading only, 7am-6pm except Sun/holidays (SMC § 10.52.020(C))
Who authorizes: City public works superintendent
Current through: Ordinance 13-2025 (Dec. 3, 2025)

Summary

The City of Sonoma has no ordinance naming rideshare pickups specifically, but Sonoma Municipal Code § 10.52.010 lets the public works superintendent mark "passenger loading zones," identified by white curb paint, reserved exclusively for vehicles loading or unloading passengers. No more than half of any block's curb length may be set aside for loading zones overall.

A. The city public works superintendent is authorized to mark loading zones and passenger loading zones. ... C. ... "Passenger loading zone" means the space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers. D. In no event shall more than one-half of the total curb length in any block be reserved for loading zone purposes. ... ... F. Passenger loading zones shall be indicated by white paint upon the top of all curbs in the zones.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 13-2025, passed December 3, 2025).

Full Breakdown

" Because these are general passenger loading zones rather than a rideshare-specific designation, a Sonoma white curb functions as the city's de facto pickup/drop-off point for taxis and transportation network company vehicles alike. Current through Ordinance 13-2025, passed December 3, 2025.

Violations & Fines

Stopping in a white zone for a purpose other than passenger loading, or beyond the three-minute mail-drop allowance, violates §§ 10.52.020 and 10.52.030, enforced under the citywide infraction schedule in § 1.12.010: up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, $500 for a third within a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the City of Sonoma have designated rideshare pickup zones?

Sonoma's code does not name Uber or Lyft specifically, but SMC § 10.52.010 lets the public works superintendent mark general "passenger loading zones," identified by white curb paint, reserved exclusively for vehicles loading or unloading passengers, which functionally covers rideshare and taxi pickups.

How long can I stop in a white curb zone in Sonoma?

SMC § 10.52.020(C) limits a white curb zone to loading or unloading of passengers, or depositing mail in an adjacent box for no more than three minutes, and the restriction runs from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day except Sundays and holidays.

How much of a city block can be a loading zone?

SMC § 10.52.010(D) caps all loading zones combined, whether for freight or passengers, at no more than half of the total curb length on any one block.

What happens if I linger in a Sonoma passenger loading zone past the pickup?

Stopping beyond the time reasonably necessary to load or unload passengers or baggage violates SMC §§ 10.52.020 and 10.52.030, enforced under the citywide infraction penalty in SMC § 1.12.010, with fines up to $100 for a first offense.

Sources & Official References

[1]Sonoma Municipal Code

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