Ventura, CA Parking Rules: Overnight Parking (2026)
Key Facts
- 72-hour max
- SBMC §16.210.040(C); reset = move 0.2 mi (odometer verified)
- Tow authority
- Cal. Veh. Code §22651(k)
- Abandoned vehicle hotline
- 805-339-4432 (Ventura PD)
- Oversized vehicle ban
- 6 a.m.–6 p.m. (SBMC §16.217.050)
Summary
Ventura does NOT have a blanket overnight ban on standard passenger vehicles on city streets. Instead, the city enforces a 72-hour maximum-parking rule under SBMC §16.210.040(C): a vehicle parked in one location longer than 72 hours is subject to citation and tow. Oversized vehicles (RVs, trailers, large trucks) are governed by SBMC Ch. 16.217 with a 6 a.m.–6 p.m. daytime parking prohibition, which effectively means overnight RV/trailer parking is restricted as well via separate trailer rules.
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. (b) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway in a position so as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic or in a condition so as to create a hazard to other traffic upon the highway. (k) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours in violation of a local ordinance authorizing removal. (l) If a vehicle is illegally parked on a highway in violation of a local ordinance forbidding standing or parking and the use of a highway, or a portion thereof, is necessary for the cleaning, repair, or construction of the highway, or for the installation of underground utilities, and signs giving notice that the vehicle may be removed are erected or placed at least 24 hours prior to the removal by a local authority pursuant to the ordinance. (n) Whenever a vehicle is parked or left standing where local authorities, by resolution or ordinance, have prohibited parking and have authorized the removal of vehicles. Except as provided in subdivisions (v) and (w), a vehicle shall not be removed unless signs are posted giving notice of the removal.
Full Breakdown
Per SBMC §16.210.040(C), no vehicle may be parked on a city street in the same location for more than 72 consecutive hours. Enforcement: Ventura PD Traffic Cadets mark tires and place a notice on the windshield; the 72-hour clock starts from the mark. To reset the clock the vehicle must be moved at least two-tenths of a mile (verified by odometer). Tows are authorized under Cal. Veh. Code §22651(k). Per SBMC §16.217.050, oversized vehicles cannot be parked on any street between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (except for active loading/unloading, emergency repair up to 24 hours, deliveries, or under a permit), see the oversized-vehicle/abandoned-vehicle entry. Permit-zone overnight parking (downtown residential permit areas) is governed separately under the city's Parking Permit Program.
Violations & Fines
72-hour violations result in a citation (typically ~$65-$100) and may result in tow at owner's expense under Veh. Code §22651(k). Permit-zone overnight violations cited under SBMC Ch. 16.215.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ventura have a citywide overnight parking ban?
How do I avoid a 72-hour parking ticket if my car will be parked while I'm away?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura
How Ventura compares: Cities with the Strictest Overnight Parking Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Overnight Parking in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle overnight parking.