Aliso Viejo, CA Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Red curb
- Marks a no parking or no stopping area
- Director's hazard finding
- § 9.04.040(H): signs or red paint on the curb surface
- Council resolution
- § 9.04.040(I): same signs or red paint marking
- Temporary zones
- Signs posted at least 24 hours before they apply
- Tow-Away Zone
- Council resolution, then the director posts signs
- Marking authority
- Director of public works/traffic engineer
Summary
In the City of Aliso Viejo, California, red paint on the curb surface marks a no parking or no stopping area, whether the director found a traffic hazard or the city council created the area by resolution. Vehicles cannot stop, stand or park in a red-painted area.
H. In any area where the director determines that the parking or stopping of a vehicle would constitute a traffic hazard or would endanger life or property, when such area is indicated by appropriate signs or by red paint upon the curb surface. I. In any area established by resolution of the city council as a no parking or no stopping area, when such area is indicated by appropriate signs or by red paint upon the curb surface.
Full Breakdown
Curb paint carries legal force in Aliso Viejo through § 9.04.040 of the Municipal Code, which lists the places where no operator can stop, stand, park or leave standing any vehicle, attended or unattended, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the direction of a police officer, other authorized officer or official traffic control device. Two entries turn on red paint. Subsection H covers any area where the director determines that parking or stopping would constitute a traffic hazard or would endanger life or property, when the area is indicated by appropriate signs or by red paint upon the curb surface. Subsection I covers any area established by resolution of the city council as a no parking or no stopping area, marked the same way.
The director is the director of public works/traffic engineer for the city or a designee, as defined in § 9.02.030, and the same definitions treat the curb as the lateral boundary of the roadway whether marked by curbing construction or not. Section 9.04.020 authorizes the director to place signs or markings for bus stop zones (not to exceed 170 feet, or 150 feet at a school bus stop), loading zones (50 feet), passenger loading zones (100 feet), crosswalks and highway intersections (400 feet each), driveways (400 feet), narrow streets, and recreational vehicles near schools and parks. Temporary no parking zones need signs erected or placed at least 24 hours before they take effect. Red paint is the only curb color Chapter 9.04 names.
Enforcement follows the markings. Under § 9.04.070(C), a vehicle parked where the chapter prohibits parking can be removed provided signs are posted giving notice that vehicles may be removed. Under § 9.04.080, the city council can determine by resolution that circumstances in California Vehicle Code Section 22651 exist in a no parking area and designate it a Tow-Away Zone, and the director then posts signs. Section 9.02.090(B) exempts a vehicle of a city department or public utility from the parking and standing rules while in use for construction or repair work.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 9.04 carries a cross-reference to Chapter 1.06 AVMC for violations and penalties. Under AVMC 1.06.010, a code violation is a misdemeanor unless otherwise specified, with the city attorney or other prosecutor able to charge an infraction instead; infraction fines are capped at $100, $200 and $500 for the first, second (within one year) and each additional violation. A vehicle in a signed no parking area can be removed under § 9.04.070(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a red curb mean in Aliso Viejo?
Who decides where Aliso Viejo curbs get painted red?
Can I be towed for parking at a red curb in Aliso Viejo?
Does Aliso Viejo code name other curb colors?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aliso Viejo
California rules heatmap·Compare Aliso Viejo to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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