Santa Maria, CA Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Truck/Bus Night Ban
- 8 p.m. - 6 a.m., >30 min in residential
- Long-Vehicle Limit
- 22 feet on signed streets
- Vehicles for Sale
- 2-hour street limit
- Heavy Commercial (State)
- CVC 22507.5 - 10,000+ lbs GVWR
- Tow Authority
- CVC 22651.9 (for-sale); 22651(k) (72-hr)
- Code Citations
- SMMC 7-5.18, 7-5.17, 7-5.04.1
Summary
Santa Maria Section 7-5.18 prohibits any CVC-defined vehicle, including a bus, from parking in residential districts between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. for more than 30 minutes. Section 7-5.04.1 bans parking any vehicle (including RVs) on a public street for more than 2 hours when offered for sale. California Vehicle Code Section 22507.5 authorizes the City to restrict commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs.
Notwithstanding Section 22507, local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit or restrict the parking or standing of vehicles on certain streets or highways, or portions thereof, between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., and may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit or restrict the parking or standing, on any street, of commercial vehicles having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more. The ordinance or resolution relating to parking between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. may provide for a system of permits for the purpose of exempting from the prohibition or restriction of the ordinance or resolution disabled persons, residents, and guests of residents of residential areas, including, but not limited to, high-density and mixed-use residential areas.
Full Breakdown
Santa Maria regulates commercial and oversized vehicles through several Title 7 sections plus state preemption authority. m. 17 (Long Vehicles) authorizes designation of streets where parking by any vehicle over 22 feet in overall length is prohibited, with signs posted at intervals of not more than 165 feet. 1 (Parking of Vehicles for Sale) makes it unlawful to park a vehicle on a public street for more than 2 hours, or to permit any vehicle owned or controlled by the person to be so parked, when a purpose of such parking is to display, advertise, or offer for sale.
122 of the Code; on State Highway 135 and State Highway 166, Streets & Highways Code Section 731 controls. 9. 5 provides the statewide authority underpinning local commercial-vehicle restrictions: it permits local authorities to prohibit or restrict the parking or standing of commercial vehicles having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more on any street in a residential district, with carve-outs for pickups, deliveries, and construction-permit work. 5(b)(c) requires posted signage and a public hearing before adoption.
Violations & Fines
Section 7-5.18 and 7-5.17 violations are infractions subject to citation. Section 7-5.04.1 violations (vehicles for sale) may also be removed from the public street by the Police Department under California Vehicle Code Section 22651.9. Heavy vehicles (over 10,000 lbs GVWR) violating signed residential-street restrictions under CVC 22507.5 are subject to tow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my commercial work truck overnight on a Santa Maria residential street?
Can I park a car or RV on the street with a 'For Sale' sign?
What about commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Maria
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