San Rafael, CA Parking Rules: Street Parking Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Street time limit
- 72 consecutive hours
- To reset clock
- move 100+ feet, wait 2 hrs
- Driveway parking
- requires owner's consent
- Wrong-way parking
- barred on one-way streets
- Jurisdiction
- San Rafael city limits only
Summary
San Rafael prohibits leaving any vehicle parked on a city street or alley for more than 72 consecutive hours, and separately bars parking in a private driveway without the owner's consent.
(a)No person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any vehicle shall park or leave the vehicle standing upon any street or alley for more than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours, or for longer than any shorter maximum time indicated on posted signs.(b)If signs are posted giving notice of such requirement, then for purposes of this section, a vehicle will be deemed to have been parked or left standing for longer than the time allowed if, after the expiration of the designated time period, the vehicle has not been moved to another location at least one hundred (100) feet away; and if, after having been so removed, the vehicle is returned to the original parking space sooner than two (2) hours after that removal. (Ord. 1781 § 6, 2002; Ord. 835 § 2, 1965: Ord. 670).
(Ord. No. 1953, div. 2, 2-5-2018)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
Section 5.40.030 of the San Rafael Municipal Code bars parking or leaving a vehicle standing on any city street or alley for more than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours, or longer than a shorter limit posted on signs; a vehicle must move at least 100 feet and stay away at least two hours to reset the clock. Section 5.40.150 separately makes it unlawful to park in a private driveway without the owner's direct or implied consent. Wrong-way and left-side parking on one-way streets is addressed by Section 5.40.050, which allows it only where signs permit. These are city rules; unincorporated Marin County streets are governed separately by the county.
Violations & Fines
Vehicles exceeding the 72-hour street limit or parked in violation of these sections can be cited, and the city's parking enforcement staff may tag or remove them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my car on a San Rafael street indefinitely?
Can someone park in my driveway without asking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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