Parallel Parking Requirements
Failing to park parallel to and within 18 inches of the right-hand curb when parking on a two-way roadway.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
What is a Parallel Parking Requirements ticket?
This ticket is issued when your vehicle isn't parked parallel to and within 18 inches of the curb on a two-way street. It's a common parking violation in California that doesn't add points to your license but still carries a fine.
This violation typically costs $50 to $100 depending on your county. Since it's a parking infraction with zero DMV points, it won't affect your insurance rates or driving record. However, ignoring the ticket can lead to late fees and potential registration holds.
This parking violation carries zero points and will not appear on your driving record. Your insurance rates will not be affected by this ticket.
What the Law Says
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1Your vehicle was parked on a right-hand roadway
- 2The right wheels were more than 18 inches from the right-hand curb
How Drivers Get This Ticket
Driver parked 24 inches from the curb in a residential area because another car had parked too far out, forcing them to compensate
Ticket issued because the vehicle exceeded the 18-inch requirement regardless of other vehicles
Driver received a ticket but the curb was damaged and uneven, making proper measurement impossible
Ticket dismissed after driver submitted photos showing the deteriorated curb condition
Large truck driver parked with rear wheels 20 inches from curb due to vehicle size and narrow street
Ticket upheld because the law applies to all vehicles regardless of size
Common Defenses for Parallel Parking Requirements
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Vehicle was within 18 inches
CVC 22502(a) requires parallel parking with the right wheels within 18 inches of the right curb. Document your parking position with photographs if possible.
Left-hand side parking exception
On one-way streets, parking on the left side is permitted. Verify the road configuration.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Photos showing your vehicle's actual distance from the curb at the time
- ✓Photos of damaged, missing, or unclear curb markings
- ✓Evidence of road construction or obstructions that prevented proper parking
- ✓Documentation of vehicle malfunction if claiming emergency
- ✓Witness statements from passengers or nearby observers
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Ignoring the ticket — unpaid parking tickets lead to late fees and registration holds
- ✗Assuming you can't contest it because there are no points involved
- ✗Failing to take photos of the parking location immediately after receiving the ticket
- ✗Paying the fine without considering whether you have valid defenses
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Frequently Asked Questions About Parallel Parking Requirements
How far from the curb can I legally park in California?▼
On a two-way street, your right-hand wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb. On a one-way street, you may park on either side with the appropriate wheels within 18 inches of that curb.
What if there was no curb where I parked?▼
CVC 22502(a) specifically requires parking within 18 inches of the curb. If there was no curb present, you may have grounds to contest the ticket since there was nothing to measure from.
Can I fight this ticket if I was only a few inches over 18 inches?▼
Yes. Officers typically estimate distances visually without measuring. If you were close to the limit, you can challenge whether the officer's estimate was accurate, especially with photos showing your actual position.
Will this parking ticket affect my car insurance?▼
No. Parking violations don't add points to your driving record and are not reported to insurance companies. Your rates will not increase from this ticket.
What happens if I don't pay this parking ticket?▼
Unpaid parking tickets accrue late fees and can eventually result in a hold on your vehicle registration. You won't be able to renew your registration until all outstanding parking tickets are resolved.
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This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.