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San Diego, CA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Code Section
SDMC §86.0139
Curfew
Oversized/RV vehicles prohibited 2 AM - 6 AM on streets
Size Threshold
Over 27 ft long AND 7 ft high
TORVP
$1.50/day; max 72 permits/year per address
Intersection Rule
No oversized vehicle within 50 ft of intersection

Summary

SDMC §86.0139 prohibits oversized and recreational vehicles from parking on public streets between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Oversized vehicles are defined as exceeding 27 feet in length AND 7 feet in height. Parking any such vehicle within 50 feet of an intersection is prohibited at any time. Residents may obtain a Temporary Overnight Recreational Vehicle Permit (TORVP) at $1.50 per 24-hour period, with a maximum of 72 permits per address per year.

22651. A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a regularly employed and salaried employee who is engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations of a city, county, or jurisdiction of a state agency in which a vehicle is located may remove a vehicle located within the territorial limits in which the officer or employee may act, under the following circumstances: (a) If a vehicle is left unattended upon a bridge, viaduct, or causeway or in a tube or tunnel where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic.

Source: San Diego Municipal CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Some areas require overnight parking permits while others ban it entirely on certain streets. Restrictions help with street sweeping, snow removal, and crime prevention. Vehicles parked overnight without authorization may be ticketed or towed. Some neighborhoods have resident permit parking programs for overnight exceptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park my RV on the street overnight?
Not between 2-6 AM without a TORVP permit. Permits cost $1.50/day and are limited to 72 per year per address. The RV must be parked on your block.
What about regular cars parked overnight?
Standard vehicles may park on public streets overnight unless posted otherwise. No vehicle may remain in one spot for more than 72 consecutive hours.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Diego

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How San Diego compares: Cities with the Strictest Overnight Parking Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California parking rules overview

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Overnight Parking in Nearby Cities

How other cities in San Diego County handle overnight parking.

San Marcos, CA
Some Restrictions
Vista, CA
Some Restrictions
Chula Vista, CA
Some Restrictions
Carlsbad, CA
Some Restrictions
El Cajon, CA
Some Restrictions
Escondido, CA
Some Restrictions
Oceanside, CA
Some Restrictions