Loading zones in San Jose are marked with yellow paint (commercial freight, typically twenty minutes) and white paint (passenger loading, typically five minutes) under SJMC Title 11 and California Vehicle Code Section 21458, with active loading required throughout the stop.
SJMC Title 11 (Vehicles and Traffic) and Chapter 11.32 implement state Vehicle Code Section 21458 in San Jose. Yellow curbs designate commercial loading zones where drivers may stop only for active loading or unloading of freight or passengers, typically capped at twenty minutes for commercial vehicles and three minutes for passenger pickup. Hours of restriction may be posted on accompanying signs (commonly 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekdays). White curbs designate passenger loading zones with a typical five-minute maximum and require active engagement with the loading task. Drivers must remain available to move the vehicle. After posted hours, restrictions usually relax to general parking unless signs say otherwise.
Parking in a yellow or white loading zone without active loading, exceeding the time limit, or violating posted hours triggers a parking citation by SJPD or SJ DOT with escalating fines and possible tow for repeat offenders.
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