San Francisco Commercial Vehicle Restrictions Rules (2026): What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Overnight restriction
- Commercial vehicles over 6,000 lbs GVW prohibited on residential streets 12 AM–6 AM
- Truck routes
- Heavy commercial vehicles must use designated truck routes through the city
- Weight limit
- Vehicles over 3 tons generally restricted from most residential streets
- Equipment storage
- Commercial trailers, flatbeds, and equipment may not be stored on residential streets
- Active delivery exception
- Commercial vehicles may park temporarily for active loading/unloading operations
- Enforcement
- SFMTA Parking Control Officers and SFPD jointly enforce commercial vehicle rules
The Short Version
San Francisco prohibits the overnight parking of commercial vehicles exceeding 6,000 pounds GVW on residential streets between the hours of 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Heavy trucks, semi-trailers, construction equipment, and commercial vehicles with prominent signage face additional restrictions in residential zones. Designated truck routes restrict heavy vehicle traffic to specific corridors, and commercial vehicles must use these routes when traveling through the city. The SFMTA and SFPD jointly enforce commercial vehicle parking restrictions.
Full Breakdown
San Francisco restricts the parking and operation of commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods through provisions in the Transportation Code and the Public Works Code. Commercial vehicles — defined as vehicles designed or used primarily for transporting goods, equipment, or materials for commercial purposes — that exceed 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) are prohibited from parking on residential streets between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM. This overnight ban is designed to reduce noise, pollution, and safety hazards in residential areas during nighttime hours.
The city maintains a network of designated truck routes for heavy commercial vehicles. Trucks and commercial vehicles exceeding the posted weight limits must use these routes and are prohibited from traveling through residential neighborhoods except when making direct deliveries to addresses within those neighborhoods. The designated truck route network includes major arterials such as Van Ness Avenue, Geary Boulevard, 19th Avenue, and portions of Market Street and the Embarcadero.
Commercial trailers, flatbed trailers, construction equipment, and detached semi-trailers may not be stored or parked on public streets in residential zones at any time, not just overnight. These vehicles are subject to the 72-hour parking limit and, when reported, are typically cited and towed promptly by the SFMTA.
Small commercial vans and pickup trucks used for personal transportation that do not exceed the weight threshold are generally permitted on residential streets, subject to the same parking rules that apply to all vehicles (72-hour limit, street cleaning, RPP zones). However, vehicles with prominent commercial signage or branding that are clearly used for commercial purposes may draw enforcement attention if they are stored rather than temporarily parked in residential areas.
Active loading and unloading by commercial vehicles is permitted in designated commercial loading zones and, temporarily, in front of residential addresses when deliveries or service calls are being actively conducted.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Commercial vehicles parked in violation of overnight restrictions may receive citations starting at $110. Vehicles exceeding weight limits on non-truck-route streets face fines ranging from $250 to $500. Commercial trailers and equipment stored on residential streets may be cited and towed at the owner's expense with tow and storage fees typically exceeding $500 for heavy vehicles. Repeated violations may result in escalating fines and potential vehicle impoundment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my work truck on the street in San Francisco overnight?
What are the truck routes in San Francisco?
Can I store a commercial trailer on a residential street in San Francisco?
Sources & Official References
How does San Francisco compare?
See how San Francisco's commercial vehicle restrictions rules stack up against other locations.