Monterey, CA Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Length trigger
- Over 20 feet
- Height trigger
- Over 6 feet 6 inches
- Restricted hours
- 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Where it applies
- Streets, front yards, R-zoned areas
- Prerequisite
- Council resolution plus posted signs
- Exempt vehicles
- Emergency, utility, active-repair
Summary
In residential zones the City Council can designate no-parking areas where it is unlawful to park a vehicle or trailer over 20 feet long and 6 feet 6 inches tall, on the street or in a front yard, between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., under City Code Article 12. The rule only bites once signs go up; emergency, utility, and repair-service vehicles are exempt.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to park any vehicle or trailer in excess of 20 feet in length and in excess of 6 feet 6 inches in height on any street, alley, parking lot, or other public place, or within the front yard area in any residentially-zoned area between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. when said area has been established as a no parking area pursuant to Section 20-183 of this Article. ... Emergency vehicles, utility company vehicles, and commercial vehicles, while in the process of providing emergency services or repairs, shall be exempt from the provisions of this Article.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3721, passed July 7, 2026).
Full Breakdown
, but only in an area the City Council has designated under Section 20-183. Section 20-181 defines a residential zone as any property bearing an 'R' designation under the zoning ordinance, and defines the front yard area as the full lot width between the front lot line and the building, expressly reaching driveways and unenclosed carports rather than just open lawn. Section 20-182 fixes how oversized dimensions are measured: length runs from the front to the rear of the vehicle body excluding bumpers, tail lights, and racks; height runs from the ground to the highest point of the body excluding racks, antennas, air conditioners, and detachable storage; and a trailer built to haul a boat or equipment is measured with its load aboard.
Designation is not automatic: Section 20-183 requires the City Council to adopt a resolution after a public hearing before any neighborhood is covered, and the regulation cannot be enforced at all until signs are posted or, where signing is impractical, a written notice has gone to the vehicle's owner. Section 20-184 carves out emergency vehicles, utility company vehicles, and commercial vehicles actively performing emergency services or repairs, so a delivery or utility truck on an active call is not swept in.
Violations & Fines
Parking an oversized vehicle or trailer, one over 20 feet long or 6 feet 6 inches tall, in a posted residential no-parking area between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. violates Section 20-180 and is an infraction under Section 1-1.06(b), with fines of $100, $200, and $500 for a first, second, and third violation of the same section within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my RV overnight on a Monterey residential street?
Does the oversized vehicle ban apply to my driveway?
How is a trailer's height measured under this rule?
Is every Monterey residential street subject to this ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey
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Commercial & Oversized Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Monterey County handle commercial & oversized vehicles.