Bakersfield, CA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)

Unlike many California cities, Bakersfield permits general passenger-vehicle overnight parking on most public streets without a permit. However, several overlapping limits apply. California Vehicle Code §22651(k), adopted in BMC Chapter 10.64, allows the city to tow any vehicle left standing on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours. Residents often mark vehicles with chalk or photos as evidence that a vehicle hasn't moved. On streets where Bakersfield has posted 'No Parking 2 AM – 6 AM' signs — typically near schools, parks, or in commercial-vehicle corridors — oversized and commercial vehicles are prohibited overnight under CVC §22507.5. Street sweeping in Bakersfield runs on a scheduled route with posted signs; vehicles left on the street during sweeping hours can be cited under BMC 10.64. Recreational vehicles, motorhomes, and trailers get specific treatment: under BMC Chapter 10.64 and Title 17, RVs may be parked on a public residential street for short-term loading and unloading (typically up to 72 hours, sometimes less in posted areas) but sleeping, cooking, or otherwise living inside an RV parked on a public street or in a commercial parking lot is prohibited. Bakersfield's anti-vehicle-habitation ordinance (BMC 9.22) prohibits using any vehicle as a residence on public property. Violations range from $50 parking tickets to towing and, for habitation offenses, misdemeanor charges.