Salinas, CA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Blocking a driveway
- Removal authorized, CVC §22651(d)
- Blocking a legally parked car
- Removal authorized, CVC §22651(r)
- Wrong-way curb parking (one-way streets)
- Barred, Sec. 20-06.09(b)
- Curb clearance on one-way streets
- Within 18 inches of curb
- Sign notice before street-work tow
- At least 24 hours
Summary
California Vehicle Code Section 22651 lets Salinas police and parking officers tow any vehicle blocking a driveway or fire hydrant, obstructing traffic, or blocking a legally parked car, and Salinas' own Section 20-06.09 separately requires parking parallel to the curb facing the direction of traffic.
A peace officer... or a regularly employed and salaried employee who is engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations of a city... 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. ... (r) If a vehicle is illegally parked and blocks the movement of a legally parked vehicle.
Full Breakdown
Section 22651 authorizes a peace officer or a regularly employed, salaried city employee enforcing parking laws to remove a vehicle under a long list of circumstances. " Subsection (r) allows removal "if a vehicle is illegally parked and blocks the movement of a legally parked vehicle," and subsection (e) covers a vehicle blocking access to a fire hydrant. 09 requires that on one-way streets a vehicle stop or park within 18 inches of the curb facing the direction of traffic, and bars parking on the left-hand side of a one-way roadway unless signs permit it, meaning wrong-way curb parking is itself a separate violation the city can enforce even before a tow is authorized.
Before towing for a general no-parking or restricted-street violation (subsections (l)-(n)), the city must first post signs giving notice, and for street-work closures the signs must go up at least 24 hours before the work begins.
Violations & Fines
A vehicle removed under Section 22651 is impounded at the owner's expense; if the vehicle was rightfully parked, the party who caused a wrongful removal is liable for all towing and storage charges. An officer must give notice of removal to the registered owner as required by Vehicle Code Section 22852, and the owner may recover the vehicle by paying towing/storage costs and, for related classifications, providing proof of current registration and a valid license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my car be towed in Salinas for blocking someone's driveway?
Is it illegal to park facing the wrong way in Salinas?
What happens if my car is towed but I was legally parked?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salinas
California rules heatmap·Compare Salinas to another location·View the California parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.