Livermore, CA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Tow ground 1
- obstructs normal traffic movement
- Tow ground 2
- blocks driveway, moving impractical
- Initial review window
- 21 days from citation
- Hearing appeal to court
- 30 days
- Enforcing agency
- Livermore Police Department
- Local tow authority
- LMC § 10.20.010(C)
Summary
California Vehicle Code Section 22651 lets Livermore police and parking enforcement staff tow any vehicle parked so as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic, or illegally parked across a private driveway entrance when moving it elsewhere is impractical. Livermore Municipal Code Section 10.20.010(C) adopts that tow authority for the City's own peace officers and parking staff.
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: ... (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. ... (d) If a vehicle is illegally parked so as to block the entrance to a private driveway, and it is impractical to move the vehicle from in front of the driveway to another point on the highway.
Full Breakdown
Two separate grounds authorize removal under California Vehicle Code Section 22651. Subsection (b) covers a vehicle 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. Subsection (d) covers a vehicle illegally parked so as to block the entrance to a private driveway, where it is impractical to move the vehicle from in front of the driveway to another point on the highway; if a nearby spot is available, the officer must relocate the car rather than tow it.
010(C) confirms that this title provides authority to tow vehicles that are not in compliance with the City's ordinances or resolutions prohibiting stopping, standing, or parking, naming the City's peace officers and regularly employed and salaried employees engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations as those authorized to tow. 350, which must reference the specific section violated, the approximate time, and the location. The registered owner has 21 calendar days from the notice, or 14 days from a mailed delinquent notice, to request an initial review by the Livermore Police Department, which cancels the citation if the violation did not occur, the owner was not responsible, or extenuating circumstances justify dismissal.
A driver dissatisfied with that review can request an administrative hearing, then appeal the hearing examiner's decision to the municipal court within 30 days of mailing or receipt under Vehicle Code Section 40230.
Violations & Fines
A parking violation carries a civil penalty rather than a criminal charge under Municipal Code Section 10.20.350. A vehicle blocking a driveway or obstructing traffic can be towed on the spot under Vehicle Code Section 22651(b) and (d) without advance notice, at the owner's expense; successfully contesting the citation does not release a vehicle that has already been towed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Livermore tow a car parked in front of my driveway?
Does my car have to be blocking a driveway to get towed?
How do I fight a Livermore parking citation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Livermore
California rules heatmap·Compare Livermore to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Street Parking Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle street parking limits.