San Jose, CA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Reference
- SJMC 11.36.190 and 11.36.430
- Residential Sweep
- 1× per month, fixed day
- Commercial Sweep
- 2–4× per month, 2 AM – 11 AM
- Enforcement
- SJ DOT Parking Compliance
- Temp Sign Notice
- 72 hours (CVC §22651(n))
Summary
San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 11.36 governs on-street parking. Residential streets are swept once per month on a posted day; high-traffic and downtown streets are swept 2–4 times per month between 2:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Vehicles parked in posted no-parking zones during sweeping receive a citation, and tow-zone violators are towed.
(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. (c) If a vehicle is found upon a highway or public land and a report has previously been made that the vehicle is stolen or a complaint has been filed and a warrant thereon is issued charging that the vehicle was embezzled.
Full Breakdown
36 (Stopping, Standing, and Parking). 190 addresses street-cleaning and construction parking restrictions, authorizing the Department of Transportation to post no-parking signs on designated streets during specified sweep windows. Residential street sweeping runs once per month: every street has a fixed day of the month (for example, 'second Tuesday') and a fixed time window. Higher-traffic streets in commercial and downtown corridors are swept 2 to 4 times per month, generally between 2:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Look up your address at the City Collection Day Look-Up to find the exact day and hours.
190. 430. Residents can request street-sweep route changes through the Department of Transportation, but signage and route changes go through formal Council action and posted public notice.
Violations & Fines
Citations for parking during posted sweep hours start at the standard San Jose street-cleaning fine and escalate for repeat offenses. Vehicles in posted tow-away zones during sweep windows can be towed at owner expense under SJMC 11.36.430. Permanent posted signs apply year-round; temporary signs (for paving or special events) must be posted at least 72 hours in advance under California Vehicle Code §22651(n).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is street sweeping in my San Jose neighborhood?
What happens if I park during San Jose street sweeping hours?
How much notice does San Jose give for new no-parking signs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Street Parking Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle street parking limits.