Parking Laws

How to Avoid a Parking Ticket in Garden Grove

Parking Violations

As licensed drivers in California, individuals must assume the responsibility of knowing the rules and regulations of the state and the localities in which they drive. This brochure has been published to give you a brief overview of the most common parking standards, to help you to comply with the law, and to avoid citations.

Remember, California Vehicle Code 463 defines "parking" as "the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not . . ."

  • Street Sweeping (GGMC 10.56.200)

    • Residential streets are posted for sweeping and no parking between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. twice monthly. Major streets and other special areas are posted for sweeping and no parking between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. once a week or twice a month. The signs on your street or entrance to your tract will show the days, frequency, restricted hours and the area for sweeping (e.g., "this tract", "this side", or "this street") .

  • Disabled Persons/Veterans Parking Spaces (GGMC 10.56.055, CVC 22507.8, 22522)

    • Only vehicles displaying valid, distinguishing license plates or placards issued by the DMV are allowed to park in parking spaces designated for disabled persons. These areas include not only the stall for the vehicle, but the cross-hatched space marked for loading and unloading; and within three feet of sidewalk access ramps for disabled persons. Remember, disabled parking spaces on both public and private property are included within these ordinances.

  • Alley Parking (GGMC 10.56.150)

    • Unless specifically allowed by painted spaces, vehicles may not stop, stand, or park in any alley in Garden Grove. (Per California Vehicle Code 38302, property owners cannot post signs to remind residents.)

  • "No Parking" Areas (Various Codes)

    • Permanent parking restrictions at various locations in Garden Grove are indicated by appropriate signs and/or curb paint. The sign placement and verbiage are prescribed in CVC 22507 and various Garden Grove Municipal Codes.

    These parking limitations may involve no parking or stopping at any time, or may be limited to specific time periods. The reasons vary; but generally, they are intended to reduce traffic hazards or congestion. Temporary no parking zones may be designated for construction or repair activity, to move large equipment or structures, or for some other special event.

    If you park in these temporary no parking areas, you risk being ticketed just as if it were a permanent "red-zone" area.

  • Miscellaneous Parking Violations

    • The City of Garden Grove enforces both state and local parking ordinances. They are too numerous to list here, but you can review them at City Hall. Remember to avoid parking:

    • in fire lanes
    • at crosswalks
    • along red curbs
    • within 15 feet of fire hydrants
    • on unpaved surfaces
    • in areas posted for "permits only" (unless you have one)
    • near intersections
    • Don't block (even partially) driveways, sidewalks, or wheelchair access ramps.
    • Don't parallel park on the opposite side of the street, facing the wrong direction.
    • Don't park with your right wheels more than 18" from the curb unless you are properly parked within a painted, diagonal parking space.

    Make sure your vehicle is parked well beyond the "seam" which separates curved and straight curb portions, and driveways and ramps from regular, straight curbs.

  • Inoperative vehicles (GGMC 10.56.100)

    • Inoperative vehicles may be legally stored only in a fully enclosed garage. You are to perform all vehicle repairs inside your garage.

    If your vehicle is parked on the street more than 72 hours in Garden Grove, it is subject to being towed away as an abandoned vehicle.

  • Oversize vehicles (GGMC 9.16.240M,N; 10.56.110)

    • Streets which are designed for passenger vehicles deteriorate rapidly

    under the weight of heavy trucks. Also, the noise, diesel fumes and negative visual impact created by oversize vehicles can affect the tranquility of a neighborhood. Oversize vehicles, defined for the purposes of this section as any commercially registered vehicle rated over one (1) ton, may not be parked or stored in residential neighborhoods, unless conducting business.

  • Expired, Missing Registration Tags and Equipment Violations (CVC 5204, etc.)

    • Officers may cite vehicles for expired or missing license tags and equipment violations.

  • Fines and Penalties

    • If fines are not paid promptly, additional late fees will be imposed

    and the renewal of the vehicle's DMV registration may be denied until all fees are paid. Be sure to read all the information on the ticket.

  • Contesting Citations

    • If you believe a citation issued to your vehicle is invalid, you may

    request an administrative review within 21 days of the date of the citation.

    Call the telephone number on the citation for more information.

  • Where to Get the Laws
    • Garden Grove Libraries:
      • 9182 Chapman Avenue
      • 11200 Stanford Avenue
      • 11962 Bailey Street
    • Dept. of Motor Vehicles:
    • Garden Grove City Hall, City Clerk:
      • 11222 Acacia Parkway