Parking

Parking on public streets is regulated by the San Marcos Municipal Code and the California Vehicle Code. 

Report illegal parking 

NEW "Daylighting" law

State of California Assembly Bill (AB) 413 prohibits vehicle parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. This rule applies whether or not there is a red curb or no parking signage at the intersection. The law was passed by the state to improve visibility for drivers in vehicles approaching intersections, so they are better able to see other motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders and others, with the goal of preventing crashes that could cause serious injury or death. 

Other parking rules*

• No vehicle may be parked continuously at one location on any public roadway for more than 72 hours.
• Parking of heavy-duty commercial vehicles is prohibited in residential areas unless the vehicle is loading or unloading goods or has a service call in the immediate vicinity.
• Parking unattached semi-trailers or auxiliary dollies on any street in a residential district is prohibited except while loading/unloading (camping or utility trailers not included).
• Parking is prohibited:
  • NEW: within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk
  • in an intersection or a crosswalk
  • within 15 feet of a fire station driveway or fire hydrant
  • on a sidewalk or parkway
  • on the roadway side of a parked vehicle (double parking)
  • in a bus stop
  • upon a bridge (unless otherwise posted)
  • in such a manner that obstructs the free use of the street
  • in a center median strip unless signs are posted permitting parking on the median
  • in front of a public or private driveway (even your own driveway)
• Wheel cramping is required on all grades over 3% (hills). Block your wheels diagonally against the curb by turning your wheels into the curb when facing downhill and out to the street when facing uphill.
• Be aware of signage when you park. Read all signs. They may include time frame restrictions and other parking guidelines.
• Street sweeping signs are posted in select areas of the city. Parking is prohibited on the designated days for the entire time posted on the sign in those areas. Please avoid parking on your street during street sweeping day.

* Parking laws apply even if there are no curb markings or signs

Who do I call if I lost my parking citation, or to find out how much is due for my parking citation?

Call the phone number on the back of the citation, or 760-744-1050, ext. 4517. You will need to provide the license plate number of the vehicle, or the citation number which begins with the letters SM or numbers 760. 

Where can I find the San Marcos Municipal Codes pertaining to motor vehicles and traffic? 
Read the city code
Read the California code

Where can I report an abandoned vehicle on a city street?

To report an abandoned vehicle on a public street, please utilize the San Marcos App to report a parking issue. To report an abandoned vehicle on private property, please call the City’s Code Compliance hotline at 760-744-1050 ext. 3206.

Please contact the San Marcos Sheriff's Department at 760-510-5200 to report any abandoned vehicles with an expired registration of more than six months.  

Can I park my RV or trailer in front of my home?

The San Marcos Municipal Code (SMMC), Section 12.20.160(a) prohibits the parking of a recreation vehicle or a mobile living unit on residential streets for any amount of time; or on any street or alley within the city between the hours of 2 and 6 am of each day.

Can I receive a parking citation for blocking my own driveway?

Blocking your own driveway with your vehicle is a violation of the California Vehicle Code and is a valid citation. Emergency response personnel require open access to driveways at all times.

I have a disabled persons parking placard or disabled person license plates; can I park in the diagonal lines next to a disabled parking space?

State law prohibits vehicles that display a valid disabled person parking placard or disabled person license plates from parking in or on the diagonal lines next to a disabled parking space. This area is for wheelchair and wheelchair lift access and needs to be completely unobstructed so that disabled persons have plenty of room to transfer safely to and from their vehicles. Also, so that disabled persons walking from the parking lot can get through to the sidewalk.