Monterey County, CA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Monterey County only
- Primary law
- California Vehicle Code
- Local restrictions
- Need posted signs (Veh. Code 22507)
- 72-hour rule
- Veh. Code 22651(k)
- Enforcement
- Monterey County Sheriff's Office
Summary
Unincorporated Monterey County has no general residential street-parking permit scheme; on-street parking is mainly governed by the California Vehicle Code. Local authorities may, by ordinance and with posted signs, restrict parking on county roads. A vehicle left on a road 72 or more hours can be cited and removed under Vehicle Code Section 22651(k).
Any vehicles parked or left on any public street may be marked by officers as possibly abandoned. Owners then have 72 hours (3 days) from the time it is marked to remove the vehicle before it is considered to be an abandoned vehicle and may be towed away.
Full Breakdown
In the unincorporated areas of Monterey County, public on-street parking is primarily regulated by the California Vehicle Code rather than by a comprehensive county street-parking code. ' This means a posted sign or painted curb is required before a county parking restriction is enforceable. The baseline statewide limit is Vehicle Code Section 22651(k): a vehicle 'parked or left standing upon a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours' may be removed where authorized by local ordinance. Vehicle Code Section 22500 separately prohibits stopping or parking in front of a driveway, in crosswalks, and in marked loading zones countywide. 72 (Abandoned Vehicles), but most everyday on-street parking enforcement on county roads falls to the Sheriff applying state law.
Violations & Fines
Parking against a posted sign or painted curb is an infraction once 'adequate notice' signs or markings are placed (Veh. Code 22507). A vehicle left on a road for 72 or more consecutive hours may be cited and towed under Vehicle Code Section 22651(k). Blocking a driveway or crosswalk is prohibited by Vehicle Code Section 22500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Monterey County require a residential parking permit?
How long can I leave a car parked on a county road?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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