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Phoenix, AZ Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Red curb
No parking at any time
Yellow curb
Freight loading during posted hours
Green curb
Max 30 minutes
Fine
$31.00 civil sanction
Sets zones
City Traffic Engineer

Summary

Phoenix's City Traffic Engineer designates restricted parking zones with painted curbs: red bans parking at all times, yellow reserves loading during posted hours, and green limits stays to under thirty minutes.

The City Traffic Engineer shall designate restricted parking zones by use of signs, or painted curbs, or both. a. If the curb is painted red, parking shall be prohibited in the area adjacent to the painted curbs at all times... b. If the curb is painted yellow the space adjacent to the curb so painted shall be used exclusively by vehicles during the loading or unloading of freight during those hours designated by signs... c. Curb markings to show a time limit restriction of less than thirty minutes shall be green.

Source: Phoenix City CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-7524, passed June 17, 2026).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 36-27 lets the City Traffic Engineer mark restricted parking with signs, painted curbs, or both. A red curb bans parking at all times (red can also mark a bus zone, but only when signs are posted too). A yellow curb is a freight loading zone reserved for loading/unloading during the hours shown on nearby signs. A curb painted green limits parking to whatever time the sign shows, capped at thirty minutes regardless. Taxicab stands use signs only, no paint. Violations of the green-curb, red-curb no-parking, and yellow freight-zone rules are separately punishable civil traffic violations carrying a $31.00 sanction under §§ 36-151 through 36-153.

Violations & Fines

Civil traffic violation; $31.00 sanction for parking beyond a green curb's time limit, in a red no-parking zone, or in a yellow freight zone outside posted hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park briefly in a red zone to drop someone off?
No: red curbs prohibit parking at all times unless signs specifically designate a bus loading zone.
How long can I park at a green curb in Phoenix?
Only as long as the posted sign allows, and never more than thirty minutes under § 36-27(c).
Is a yellow curb open to any vehicle?
No: it's reserved for loading or unloading freight during the hours shown on the zone's signs.

Sources & Official References

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