Humboldt County, CA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code chapter
- HCC Title IV, Division 3, Chapter 1 (§§ 431-1 through 431-110)
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
- Third-offense fine (within 1 year)
- Up to $250
- Enforcement authority
- Sheriff's Office + CHP
- State backup
- CVC §§22500-22526 and §42001
Summary
Humboldt County Code Title IV, Division 3, Chapter 1 sets countywide rules for stopping, standing and parking on streets in unincorporated areas: you must obey posted signs, park off the main traveled way (no double parking), and a tiered fine schedule applies.
(a) Parking on Streets. When signs are erected and in place giving notice of the manner or of the time limit during which a person may stop, stand or park a vehicle upon any street, or a portion of a street, in the unincorporated area, no person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle on any such street, or part thereof, which is so signed in any different manner or for a period of time longer than is specified by such signs between the hours stated on such signs on any day, except a Sunday or holiday. (Ord. 237, § 1, 6/9/1947)
(b) Parking off Traveled Way. All motor vehicles parking upon streets in the unincorporated area shall stop, stand or park off the main traveled way, and it shall be deemed a violation of this chapter to park parallel to, or to the rear of, any line of parked cars (double parking). (Ord. 237, § 2, 6/9/1947; Ord. 2351, § 14, 12/6/2005)
(d) Penalty. Pursuant to Vehicle Code § 42001, it shall be unlawful and an infraction for any person to violate any section of this chapter. Every person convicted of such an infraction shall be punished upon a first conviction by a fine not exceeding One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), and for a second conviction within a period of one (1) year by a fine not exceeding Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), and for a third or any subsequent conviction within said period of one (1) year by a fine not exceeding Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00).
Full Breakdown
Humboldt County Code (HCC) Section 431-1 is the master street-parking section for the unincorporated county. Subsection (a) makes any posted sign enforceable for both time limits and parking manner; subsection (b) requires vehicles to park off the main traveled way and prohibits double parking; subsection (c) lets the Sheriff post temporary no-parking signs for emergencies, public gatherings, or congestion; and subsection (d) sets the standard fine schedule under California Vehicle Code §42001: up to $100 first offense, $200 second within a year, and $250 third within a year. Chapter 1 then contains roughly 100 individual section numbers (§§ 431-4 through 431-110) that designate specific no-parking zones, time-limited zones, loading zones, and angle-parking zones on named county roads. Each is enforced under the same general penalty scheme. State Vehicle Code rules on stopping, standing, and parking (CVC §§22500-22526) apply on top of these local sections.
Violations & Fines
Parking violations are infractions under HCC §431-1(d) and CVC §42001: fines up to $100 (first), $200 (second within one year), and $250 (third within one year). Sheriff's deputies and California Highway Patrol officers may cite or, under certain CVC provisions, tow vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on the shoulder of a county road?
Does the county have parking meters?
Who do I call about a parking complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Humboldt County
California rules heatmap·Compare Humboldt County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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