Sunnyvale, CA Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SMC § 10.16.020
- Marking methods
- Signs or curb paint
- Threshold for regulations doc
- Over 50 continuous feet
- Daylighting zones
- 20 ft from curb returns at controlled intersections
- Penalty type
- Civil, not infraction (§ 1.04.010(c))
Summary
Sunnyvale's city traffic engineer can restrict stopping, standing or parking either by posting signs or by painting the curb, under Municipal Code Section 10.16.020. Once a sign or curb marking is in place, parking against it is unlawful, and the section also authorizes twenty-foot red-curb zones at intersections controlled by stop, yield or traffic signals.
(a) The city traffic engineer is authorized to designate, install and maintain, by appropriate signs or by paint upon the curb surface, all parking space markings and restricted stopping, standing or parking areas. All such designations in excess of fifty continuous feet shall be incorporated in the traffic control regulations document. Appeals of the city traffic engineer's decision to install signs or markings mentioned in this section in excess of fifty continuous feet, may be made as described in Chapter 10.04. (b) When appropriate signs or curb markings are in place, it is unlawful for any person to stop, stand or park a vehicle in violation of any such sign or curb marking. (d) The city traffic engineer is authorized, consistent with the latest standards or guidelines established by CalTrans, to install appropriate markings or signage creating "no parking" zones extending twenty feet from curb returns at all intersections controlled by yield signs, stop signs, or traffic signals.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4856529; v14 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
04. Subsection (b) makes it unlawful to stop, stand or park in violation of a posted sign or a curb marking once either is in place. Subsection (c) separately requires vehicles to stay within a single marked parking space where space markings exist, unless the vehicle's size or shape makes that impossible. Subsection (d) gives the traffic engineer specific authority, consistent with Caltrans standards, to mark or sign 'no parking' zones extending twenty feet from curb returns at every intersection controlled by a yield sign, stop sign or traffic signal, which is the source of Sunnyvale's red-curb daylighting zones at controlled intersections. 5, rather than misdemeanor or infraction prosecution.
Violations & Fines
A curb-marking or sign violation under Section 10.16.020 is not charged as an infraction or misdemeanor. Section 1.04.010(c) places it among the sections enforced through civil penalties under a schedule the city establishes and the administrative procedures in Vehicle Code Section 40203.5 and following, meaning citations are processed and contested through that civil parking-citation system rather than criminal court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Sunnyvale restrict parking just by painting the curb?
Why is there a red curb near a Sunnyvale stop sign?
Is a curb-marking parking ticket a criminal charge in Sunnyvale?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sunnyvale
California rules heatmap·Compare Sunnyvale to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Curb Color Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle curb color rules.