San Francisco, CA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Zone type
- Yellow curb paint or signage
- Non-commercial limit
- 3 minutes, operator present
- Commercial loading
- Exempt from time cap
- Enforcement
- SFMTA parking control officers
Summary
San Francisco yellow curb zones are reserved for loading and unloading passengers or freight, with non-commercial vehicles capped at three minutes.
To Park in a yellow zone indicated by yellow paint on the curb or signage, except for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or freight, during any time in which Parking is restricted or prohibited at that yellow zone. Non-commercial vehicles shall not be Parked in a yellow zone in excess of a period of three minutes, during which the operator must be in attendance, under any circumstances during times when Parking is restricted at a yellow zone.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Parking in a yellow zone is prohibited except for loading or unloading passengers or freight during posted restricted times. Non-commercial vehicles cannot park in a yellow zone for more than three minutes while restrictions are in effect, and the operator must stay with the vehicle the entire time. Commercial vehicles actively loading freight are exempt from the three-minute cap.
Violations & Fines
Parking in a yellow zone beyond the permitted use, or a non-commercial vehicle exceeding the three-minute limit with the operator absent, is a citable parking violation under the Transportation Code penalty schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park in a yellow zone in San Francisco?
Does the 3-minute limit apply to delivery trucks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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