Parking on Roadway
Stopping or leaving a vehicle parked on a roadway when sufficient space is available to park off the 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 Parking on Roadway ticket?
CVC 22504(a) prohibits parking or leaving a vehicle stopped on the roadway side of a parked vehicle, commonly known as double parking. This violation applies when you block traffic by parking alongside another vehicle already parked at the curb, creating an obstruction in the travel lane.
This violation typically results in a fine between $100-$250 depending on your county, but carries no DMV points since it's a parking infraction. While it won't affect your driving record or insurance rates, unpaid parking tickets can lead to registration holds and additional penalties.
This parking violation does not add points to your DMV record and will not affect your auto insurance rates. Parking infractions are not reported to insurance companies and don't appear on your driving history.
What the Law Says
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1You parked on a highway
- 2Your vehicle was not off the roadway
- 3No curb or edge line was used as reference
How Drivers Get This Ticket
You pull up alongside a parked car to quickly run into a store, leaving your car in the traffic lane.
This is a clear violation even if you intended to be quick—blocking the roadway is prohibited regardless of duration.
You stop briefly to let a passenger exit while another car is parked at the curb.
A momentary stop to load or unload passengers is generally permitted if done without unreasonably blocking traffic and you remain with the vehicle.
You park alongside another vehicle at night on a dark street, not realizing you're blocking the lane.
Lack of awareness is not a defense—you're responsible for ensuring your vehicle is properly parked and not obstructing traffic.
An emergency forced you to stop alongside a parked car due to sudden mechanical failure.
Emergency circumstances may serve as a valid defense if you can demonstrate the stop was unavoidable and you took reasonable steps to address it.
Common Defenses for Parking on Roadway
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
No curb or edge line at the location
CVC 22504(a) covers parking on unimproved shoulders. If no curb or edge was present, challenge the application of this section.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Photos showing road conditions, lane markings, or unclear signage
- ✓Documentation of mechanical failure or emergency circumstances
- ✓Witness statements confirming you were actively loading/unloading
- ✓Evidence showing you were following directions from law enforcement
- ✓Photos proving there was no vehicle parked at the curb when you stopped
- ✓Receipts or records showing a legitimate emergency service call
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Assuming a quick stop doesn't count as parking—even brief stops can be cited
- ✗Ignoring the ticket because it's just a parking violation—unpaid tickets lead to registration holds
- ✗Claiming you didn't know you were blocking traffic—ignorance isn't a valid defense
- ✗Failing to document the scene if you believe the citation was improper
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Frequently Asked Questions About Parking on Roadway
Is double parking illegal even if I'm just stopping for a minute?▼
Yes, CVC 22504(a) applies regardless of how briefly you stop. The law prohibits parking on the roadway side of a parked vehicle, and even short stops can result in a citation if you're blocking traffic.
Can I contest this ticket if I had my hazard lights on?▼
Using hazard lights doesn't make double parking legal. While hazards indicate awareness of an obstruction, they don't create an exception to the parking prohibition unless you're experiencing a genuine emergency.
What's the difference between stopping and parking under this law?▼
For purposes of CVC 22504(a), both parking and leaving a vehicle stopped are prohibited. The law uses both terms to ensure it covers any situation where your vehicle blocks traffic alongside a parked car.
Will this ticket affect my commercial driver's license?▼
Since this is a non-moving parking violation with zero points, it should not affect your CDL status. However, you should still address the ticket promptly to avoid registration issues.
Can I fight this ticket with a Trial by Written Declaration?▼
Yes, you can contest a CVC 22504(a) violation through Trial by Written Declaration without appearing in court. This allows you to submit your defense in writing along with any supporting evidence.
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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.