Lake County, CA Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules (2026)

Curb markings in unincorporated Lake County use California's uniform statewide curb-color scheme rather than a county-specific ordinance. Under the California Vehicle Code, local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, restrict or prohibit stopping, standing, or parking and place curb markings, but those restrictions do not take effect until signs or markings giving adequate notice have been placed (Veh. Code 22507). The standard statewide curb colors are: red - no stopping, standing, or parking (buses may stop where a red zone is marked for buses); yellow - stop only to load or unload passengers or freight for the posted time; white - stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail; green - park for a limited time as posted; and blue - parking only for a disabled person or driver with a disabled placard or plate. Because these colors are established under state law and the county's authority to mark curbs flows from the Vehicle Code, only curb markings placed by or with the authority of Lake County or the state are enforceable. A resident who paints a curb (for example, red in front of their own driveway) without county authorization creates no legally enforceable parking restriction and may face a nuisance or right-of-way issue, since markings on curbs are part of the public right-of-way. Anyone wanting an official colored curb zone should request it through Lake County Public Works rather than painting it themselves.