Santa Maria, CA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- Citywide Overnight Ban
- None for ordinary cars
- Truck/Bus Night Ban
- 8:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. (>30 min)
- Residential District
- RA, R-1, RSL-1, R-2, R-3, RMH
- Code Citation
- SMMC 7-5.18; 7-5.14 (time limits)
- Permit Office
- Finance Dept., 206 E. Cook St.
- Max Permits
- 5 per residence/business
Summary
Santa Maria has no city-wide overnight curfew on ordinary cars parked on residential streets. The 72-hour rule applies to all vehicles, and Section 7-5.18 imposes an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. ban on trucks, buses, and CVC-defined vehicles parked longer than 30 minutes in residential districts. Resident permits are available for posted permit zones.
It is unlawful for any person to stop, park or leave standing any vehicle as defined by the California Vehicle Code (CVC) including a bus, whether attended or unattended, on any street in any residential district, for a period of time longer than thirty (30) minutes or as reasonably necessary to accomplish the loading or unloading of merchandise or passengers, between the hours of eight (8:00) p.m. and six (6:00) a.m. of any day. "Residential district" means those properties zoned RA, R-1, RSL-1, R-2, R-3, or RMH; or in residential use as defined by Section 12-2.123 of this Code.
Full Breakdown
overnight ban on cars parked on residential streets. 14 (Limited Time Parking). 123. Resident parking permits can be purchased at the City Finance Department at 206 East Cook Street (up to 5 permits per residence or business) for blocks subject to permit-only restrictions. on a residential street is restricted. Ordinary passenger cars parked at the curb in front of a residence are not restricted overnight unless the 30-minute rule's literal text is enforced (typical enforcement focus is RVs/trucks/buses).
Violations & Fines
Section 7-5.18 violations are infractions subject to citation. Vehicles exceeding the 72-hour rule are subject to tow under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k). Permit-zone violations are enforced through Section 7-5.14. Report problem overnight parking to Santa Maria Police at (805) 928-3781 ext. 2956.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my car parked on a Santa Maria residential street overnight?
Are trucks and buses banned from residential streets at night?
How do I get a resident parking permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Maria
How Santa Maria compares: Cities with the Strictest Overnight Parking Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Maria to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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