Merced, CA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

The City of Merced uses the statewide curb-color system in California Vehicle Code 21458 to designate loading zones on its streets. Under CVC 21458, a yellow curb means 'stopping only for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or freight,' a white curb means stopping only for 'loading or unloading of passengers' or 'depositing mail in an adjacent mailbox,' and a green curb means 'time limit parking specified by local ordinance.' These markings are placed and maintained by the city under its traffic authority, and the specific dwell time at a yellow or white zone is governed by posted signs and the Vehicle Code rather than a unique Merced number. Separately, CVC 22500 prohibits stopping alongside curb space authorized and signed (or red-painted) for the loading and unloading of passengers of a transit bus, protecting bus loading zones. Commercial loading zones in the downtown business district and at institutional sites operate on the same curb-color framework. The Merced Police Department's Parking Enforcement Unit, which is responsible for maintaining order in the parking of vehicles in the city, issues citations for overstaying or misusing a loading zone; tickets are processed through the contracted Citation Processing Center and may be paid or contested within 21 days. Because loading-zone rules rest on the Vehicle Code and curb paint, the standards in Merced match California law statewide.