Street Parking Restrictions
Follow guidance posted on street signs for where you can park, when you can park, and for how long.
Signs on the street will generally provide you guidance on whether you can park in on-street spots, what days or times you can park there, and how long you can stay for. Restrictions for on-street parking are set by the California Vehicle Code and by section 14 of the Berkeley Municipal Code. The most common restrictions are listed below.
park 20 feet from the approaching side of an intersection
Drivers should park their vehicles at least 20 feet from the approaching side of an intersection. This statewide "daylighting" law helps fellow motorists see and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
State law AB 413 prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk on the approaching side – the right side on a two-way street or both sides on a one-way street. Parking in these areas is illegal statewide and can yield a $64 ticket in Berkeley, regardless of whether the curb is painted red. Read the community message or watch a video to learn more.
Move your car at least every 72 hours
It is illegal to leave your car parked in one spot for longer than 72 hours. Move your car at least one car’s length to avoid citation. To report a vehicle that has not moved for 72 hours, fill out a request for service form online or call (510) 981-5890.
Some areas of Berkeley have a 2-hour parking limit unless you have a resident parking permit. In these areas, you will need to move from the block face every two hours. Learn more about Residential Preferential Parking.
Move your car for street sweeping
On-street parking is not allowed during scheduled street sweeping. Signs along the street will have information for days and times when parking is not allowed. Streets will not be swept on City holidays. Check the street sweeping page for schedules.
Observe temporary no-parking signs
The City of Berkeley or authorized person may post temporary “No Parking, Tow Zone” signs as needed. Signs will be posted 72 hours in advance for construction projects and 24 hours in advance of other events. Be sure to check your vehicle every 24 hours in case a “No Parking” sign is posted after you park.
Follow time limits for parking
Metered parking spots in Berkeley have time limits ranging from 30 minutes to 8 hours. These limits may not be extended by adding more money after time has expired.
Many areas in Berkeley have 2-hour time limits for on-street parking unless you have a residential parking permit for that zone. These time limits are generally enforced 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on Monday through Friday, but some areas are also enforced on Saturdays. Check the signs on the street to confirm days and hours of enforcement.
Observe no parking signs in the Berkeley hills
Several streets in the Berkeley hills have red curbs or no parking signs to indicate that parking is not allowed. These streets are narrow and must be kept clear to allow fire trucks to pass in case of an emergency.
Fines doubled on football game days
On UC Berkeley football game days, many streets near the Cal Memorial Stadium have stricter parking restrictions. In areas to the north and south of the stadium, you cannot park on the street unless you have a valid residential permit. Your car may be towed or fined $225 if you park on these streets without a residential permit.
In 2-hour parking areas further from the stadium, the City issues doubled parking fines for staying past the time limit. See details about game day parking restrictions.
No parking heavy-duty commercial vehicles from 2 am to 5 Am
It is illegal to park any heavy-duty commercial vehicle on any street between the hours of 2:00 am and 5:00 am for a length of time greater than one hour.
Repair shops cannot store damaged vehicles on the street
Auto repair shops, such as automobile repair garages, body repair shops, and auto wrecking establishments, are not allowed to store damaged or wrecked vehicles on public streets.
Follow California parking laws
Follow the laws outlined in the parking section of the DMV handbook. Note the rules for parking at colored curbs as well as the section on illegal parking. For more information about yellow curbs, read the Commercial loading zones flyer.
