Kern County, CA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Kern County Code § 10.20.025
- Max Continuous Parking
- Under 72 hours
- Authority
- CA Vehicle Code § 22506
- Scope
- State highways in unincorporated Kern County
- State Surcharge
- $5 per parking violation (Govt. Code § 76000(b))
Summary
Kern County prohibits parking a vehicle on any state highway in the unincorporated county for 72 or more consecutive hours, adopted under California Vehicle Code authority.
It is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing any automobile, truck, or other vehicle upon any state highway within the unincorporated area of the County for a period of seventy-two (72) or more consecutive hours.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Per Kern County Code of Ordinances Chapter 10.20, Article I (Parking Regulations), § 10.20.025 (Seventy-two-hour parking limitation on state highways), it is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing any automobile, truck, or other vehicle upon any state highway within the unincorporated area of the County for a period of 72 or more consecutive hours. The ordinance was adopted pursuant to Vehicle Code § 22506 with approval from the California Department of Transportation, and has been in effect since August 15, 1955. Parking on county-maintained roads (county ways) is separately governed by Chapter 10.16. Vehicles left in violation may be cited under Chapter 10.50 (Parking Penalties) and, after 72 hours, may also be deemed abandoned and subject to removal under Chapter 10.28.
Violations & Fines
Vehicles parked over 72 hours may be cited under Chapter 10.50 (parking penalties), towed, and after the abandonment threshold may be removed as a nuisance under Chapter 10.28. A $5 additional state penalty (Govt. Code § 76000(b)) is added to every parking violation, with a 10% additional surcharge on handicapped-zone violations (Penal Code § 1465.6).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my car parked on a state highway in unincorporated Kern County overnight?
Does the 72-hour limit apply to county roads too?
Where can I park inside a county-owned parking lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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