San Diego County, CA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Core storage rule
- 72-hour limit, Sec. 72.122(a)
- Reset distance
- Move at least 0.5 mile
- Removal authority
- Sheriff/CHP under CVC 22651, 22652
- Vehicle-for-sale limit
- Restricted under Sec. 72.123
- Primary enforcer
- San Diego County Sheriff
Summary
Street parking in unincorporated San Diego County is governed by County Code Title 7, Division 1 (traffic regulations) and the California Vehicle Code. The central rule, Sec. 72.122, bars storing any vehicle on a street or alley for more than 72 consecutive hours. The Sheriff enforces parking in unincorporated areas.
711] ( Article 1 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. ) 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.
Full Breakdown
Most everyday parking restrictions on unincorporated County streets come from the California Vehicle Code as enforced by the San Diego County Sheriff, supplemented by County Code Title 7. The cornerstone County provision is Sec. 5) of a mile from its original stopped location within that period. Under subsection (b), once the 72-hour limit is exceeded, the Sheriff or any member of the California Highway Patrol may remove the vehicle in the manner and subject to Vehicle Code Sec. 22651 and 22652. Separate County sections address related conduct: Sec.
123 limits parking for certain purposes such as displaying a vehicle for sale, Sec. 126 restricts heavy commercial vehicles in residential areas, and Sec. 135 authorizes curb markings (red and yellow) to indicate stopping and parking rules. Posted local restrictions, signed time limits, and Vehicle Code rules (such as parking within an intersection or blocking a driveway) also apply.
Violations & Fines
Leaving a vehicle parked over 72 hours without moving it at least 0.5 mile makes it subject to removal by the Sheriff or CHP under Vehicle Code Sec. 22651/22652. Other on-street violations (red curbs, signed restrictions, expired registration) are citable under the Vehicle Code and County Code Title 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car sit on a street in unincorporated San Diego County?
Who enforces street parking in the unincorporated county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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