California Vehicle Code §22500.1 and Santa Clara County Title B regulate loading-zone parking. Yellow curbs limit commercial loading to active loading only, with strict time caps and citation rules.
California Vehicle Code §22500.1 prohibits parking in marked loading zones except for active loading or unloading of passengers or freight. Yellow curbs designate commercial loading: typically 3 minutes for passengers and 20 minutes for freight, though local ordinances may adjust. White curbs allow brief passenger drop-off (3 minutes typical) for any vehicle. Drivers must remain in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle during loading; parking and walking away violates the rule. Santa Clara County Title B vehicle and traffic provisions enforce loading-zone restrictions on unincorporated streets, while Roads and Airports paints and signs the zones. Hours often apply (commonly 7 AM-6 PM weekdays); outside posted hours, vehicles may park subject to other rules.
Parking in loading zone without actively loading risks CVC §22500.1 citation, typically $65-$100. Blocking commercial loading or extending past time limit triggers tow under CVC §22651.
See how San Jose's loading zones rules stack up against other locations.
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