A Guide to Colored Borders in California
Drivers in California will notice that the curbs are colored in different colors, and some drivers may still not understand what each of these different colors means. Let's take a look at the different colors so you can find out what they mean and how they will affect your driving and parking.
colored borders
If you see a curb painted white, you will only be able to stop long enough to disembark or alight passengers. White borders are very common throughout the state, but there are many other colors you need to be aware of. If you see a green curb, you will be able to park on it for a limited time. With these curbs, you should usually see a sign posted next to the area that will let you know how long you can park there. If you don't see the sign posted, the time will most likely be written in white letters on a green border.
When you see a curb painted yellow, you are only allowed to stop as long as the indicated time allows passengers or goods to get on and off. If you are a driver of a non-commercial vehicle, you usually must remain in the vehicle while loading or unloading is in progress.
Curbs painted red mean that you can't stop, stand or park at all. Often these are streaks of fire, but they don't have to be streaks of fire to be red. Buses are the only vehicle allowed to stop in red zones marked specifically for buses.
If you see a blue-colored curb or a blue-colored parking space, this means that only disabled people or those driving a disabled person can stop and park there. You will need a special license plate or plate for your vehicle in order to park in these areas.
illegal parking
In addition to paying attention to colored curbs while parking, you should also be aware of other parking laws. Always look for signs when you park your car. If you see any signs prohibiting parking, then you cannot park your car there even for a few minutes.
You may not park within three feet of a disabled sidewalk or in front of a curb providing wheelchair access to the sidewalk. Drivers may not park in designated refueling or zero-emission parking spaces, and you may not park in a tunnel or on a bridge unless specifically marked to do so.
Do not park between the security zone and the curb, and never park your car twice. Double parking is when you park a car on the side of the street that is already parked along the curb. Even if you're only going to be there for a few minutes, it's illegal, dangerous, and can make traffic difficult.
The penalties for your parking tickets, if you're unlucky enough to get one, can vary depending on where you got it in the state. Different cities and towns have their own wonderful timetables. Find out where you can and cannot park in order to avoid fines altogether.
