Martinez, CA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- 72-hour Maximum Consecutive
- 72-hour maximum consecutive street parking (CVC 22651(k))
- Downtown Posted 2-hour
- Downtown posted 2-hour zones enforced Mon-Sat 9 AM-6 PM
- Residential Permit Parking
- Residential permit parking districts in commuter-impacted neighborhoods
- Street Sweeping Violations
- Street sweeping violations typically $60-75
- No Parking Within
- No parking within 15 ft of hydrants, 20 ft of crosswalks
Summary
Martinez enforces California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k)'s 72-hour consecutive street parking limit citywide, along with local time-limited zones in downtown and near the Amtrak station. Posted time limits (typically 2-hour zones) are enforced weekdays during business hours. Vehicles exceeding 72 hours may be marked, cited, and towed after notice.
22651. 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.
Full Breakdown
Street parking in Martinez is governed by Martinez Municipal Code Title 10 and California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k), which authorizes removal of vehicles parked on any public street or highway for 72 or more consecutive hours. Martinez Police Department parking enforcement officers mark tires with chalk or electronically log vehicle locations and reinspect after 72 hours; vehicles that have not moved are cited and may be towed. In the downtown commercial district (Main Street, Court Street, Ferry Street, Estudillo Street) posted 2-hour and 4-hour time limits apply Monday through Saturday, typically 9 AM to 6 PM, with no returning to the same block within the posted period.
The Amtrak Capitol Corridor station on Marina Vista has designated commuter parking with separate rules. Residential permit parking districts exist in several neighborhoods affected by commuter and downtown overflow parking; residents obtain permits through the Police Department, and non-permitted vehicles are limited to posted hours. Street sweeping parking restrictions are posted on signs with specific days and times; violations typically carry a fine around $60-75. Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, or 30 feet of a stop sign is prohibited under CVC Section 22514 and 22500.
Blocking a driveway (including one's own if it impedes the public right-of-way) is prohibited under CVC Section 22500(e). Parking on sidewalks or overhanging them is prohibited under CVC Section 22500(f). Fines are set by resolution and typically run $45-85 for most violations, with fire lane and disabled parking violations substantially higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on the street in front of my house indefinitely?
How do I get a residential parking permit in Martinez?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martinez
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Street Parking Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle street parking limits.