Parking Enforcement Unit Office Telephone Number weekday business hours: (310) 318-0617
For parking enforcement services 24 hours each day, call the Police Communications Unit: (310) 379-5411
To report a vehicle that is abandoned or stored on the street in excess of 72-hours, call the recorded line: (310) 318-0638.
To report a possible abandoned stolen vehicle: (310) 379-5411
Office Hours
The Parking Enforcement Unit office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for your convenience. City Hall and the Parking Enforcement office are closed on alternate Fridays.
Parking Citations
If you have questions about parking citations, read the information below or contact the Parking Enforcement Unit at (310) 318-0617.
Why did the Parking Enforcement Officer / Police Officer refuse to talk with me or listen when I tried to explain why I should not receive the citation?
Parking enforcement services are not popular; no one enjoys receiving a parking citation.
Although you may have attempted to engage the officer in a friendly conversation about the citation, many other people may be predisposed to escalate discussions suddenly, display their anger and put our parking enforcement officers at risk.
We ask our parking enforcement personnel to be courteous, and we encourage them not to engage potential violators in arguments or confrontational discussions.
We want our officers to be safe and to avoid conflict that might occur when conversations become heated.
If you need clarification about a violation we encourage you to call our Parking Enforcement Staff at (310) 318-0617.
How may I read the laws that govern parking in Redondo Beach?
You may research parking laws by clicking on the links that follow. Parking restrictions in the City of Redondo Beach are set by both local parking ordinances listed in the Redondo Beach Municipal Code and in the California Vehicle Code. Most parking regulations in the Municipal Code are in Title 3, Chapter 7 of the Municipal Code. Most parking regulations in the Vehicle Code begin at section 22500 in Division 11, Chapter 9.
What is the definition of parking? I only stopped in a no parking zone for a few seconds and received a citation.
It is important to understand the definition of parking when applying parking laws.
Vehicle Code 463 defines park or parking:
“Park or parking” shall mean the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading merchandise or passengers.”
Vehicle Code 587 defines stop or stopping:
“Stop or stopping” when prohibited shall mean any cessation of movement of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the direction of a police officer or official traffic control device or signal.
Municipal Code 3-7.101 defines parking, stopping and standing:
(j) “Park” shall mean to stand, or to leave standing, any vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of, and while actually engaged in, the loading or unloading of passengers or materials. “Temporarily” shall mean not in excess of the time expressly allowed for such purposes in this chapter.
(p) “Stop or stand,” when prohibited, shall mean any stopping of a vehicle except when necessary to avoid conflict with any other traffic or in compliance with the direction of a police officer or official traffic control device.
Common Violations to Avoid
What are the most common miscellaneous violations to avoid when parking in Redondo Beach?
Do not stop, park or leave your vehicle:
On or across a sidewalk
Within an intersection
Blocking the extended path of the sidewalk at corners
On or blocking a crosswalk (marked or unmarked)
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or the driveway entrance of a fire station
Closer than 3 feet to a sidewalk access ramp for the physically disabled
In front of a driveway
On the roadway side of any vehicle parked at the curb or edge of the highway (double parking)
In a bus zone (whether marked with red curb or by signage)
Where signs or markings prohibit parking
Next to any street or highway construction when stopping or parking would obstruct traffic
On the front lawn of a residence
In a Preferential Parking Zone
In a Riviera Village Merchant parking space with an Annual Parking Permit
In a residential zone if your commercial vehicle exceeds weight limits
In the street to make repairs or install parts
In the driveway of a multiple residence property impeding vehicle access to other residences
In the roadway if the vehicle is an unattached trailer
Color Curb Zones
What do the various colored curbs (red, green, yellow, white, and blue) signify in Redondo Beach?
White – Passenger loading zones
Yellow – Material/cargo loading zones
Green – Limited time parking zones (15 to 30 minutes)
Red – No stopping, standing, or parking zones
Blue – Disabled persons parking zones
What are the time limits for these colored curbs?
Redondo Beach Municipal Code 3-7.1205 defines the time limits for curb zones. The time limits and effective hours of white passenger loading zones, yellow loading zones, green parking zones, and red “No Parking” zones are as follows:
White: No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle in any white passenger loading zone except for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers and their personal baggage, and then only for the time necessary therefor, and in no event for more than three (3) minutes.
Yellow: No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on any day, except Sunday, in a yellow loading zone, except that commercial vehicles may stop or stand for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers and their personal belongings, and then only for the time necessary therefor, but in no event for more than three (3) minutes.
Green: No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle in any green zone on any day except that passenger vehicles may park in green zones for a period of time not to exceed fifteen (15) minutes between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day.
Red: No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle at any time in any red “No Standing” zone or portion of a street posted with signs reading “No Stopping, Standing, or Parking at Any Time”; provided, however, a bus may stop in such a zone or portion of a street marked or designated as a bus zone.
Blue: No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle at any time in any blue handicapped parking zone unless the vehicle displays either one of the distinguishing license plates or a placard issued pursuant to Sections 5007, 22511.5 or 22511 of the Vehicle Code of the State.
What can I do if I know or suspect that my neighbor painted the curbs red or another color in front of their residence without the city’s knowledge?
You may contact the City’s Public Works Department to determine if the painted location is approved by the city. They may be contacted at (310) 318-0686 extension 4147.
Street Sweeping
When is parking restricted for street sweeping?
The City restricts on-street parking during certain days and times for street sweeping to collect and remove leaves, litter and other debris that can block storm drains.
The City regularly cleans these materials from the streets and gutters to protect the water quality of our beaches and ocean waters.
Visit the Public Works website at http://www.redondo.org/depts/public_works/street_sweeping.asp for more information about street sweeping locations, schedules, and holidays or call Public Works customer service at (310) 318-0686 extension 4147.
The signs on my street restrict parking for street sweeping from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. May I park on the street after the street sweeper has passed?
Yes.
Parking enforcement officers attempt to follow closely behind the street sweepers, and cite vehicles that prevent the sweeper from cleaning the street at a location.
Due to the scarcity of parking in certain areas and for the convenience of our residence, the Police Department exercises a policy that you may park on the street immediately after the street sweeper has passed.
However, to avoid a possible citation, you should also wait for the parking enforcement person to pass your location to avoid a possible citation.
They will cite your vehicle if they cannot determine if your vehicle was moved before the sweeper passed.
Parked 72-Hours Abandoned and Stored Vehicles
How do I report a vehicle that I believe is abandoned or being stored on the street?
Call the abandoned vehicle service line at (310) 318-0638 or the Police Communications Unit at (310) 379-5411.
Provide the vehicle’s exact location by address, the license plate number, the vehicle make and color.
Do I have to wait 72 hours before I report an abandoned vehicle?
No, you do not have to wait 72 hours before you call to report a vehicle that you believe is abandoned or is being stored on the street illegally.
Should I call to report my neighbor’s vehicle as an abandoned or stored vehicle in violation of the 72-hour rule when he parks multiple vehicles in front of numerous residences in our neighborhood?
There is not a law that limits the number of vehicles that a person may own, or where they are parked on city streets. If the vehicles are driven daily, it would not resolve your issue to mark them for 72 hours.
The Police Department frequently receives complaints about vehicles that are moved the day of street sweeping and then are not moved for six more days. This would be an instance where having the vehicle marked would be applicable.
Do parking enforcement and police officers look for vehicles parked more than 72 hours to mark them?
Usually, no, but this may occur.
Parking enforcement and police officers do not normally look for vehicles that are parked in excess of 72 hours. They will respond to calls for service to mark vehicles when requested.
Will the vehicle be towed immediately after the 72 hour period?
Not always, but it is possible. Most vehicles in violation of the 72 hour rule will be towed within 12 hours of the expiration time. Parking enforcement officers normally take primary responsibility to mark and tow these vehicles, and they do not work 24 hours each day. At least one parking enforcement officer generally works from 7:00 a.m. to midnight daily.
What is the exact law regarding 72 hour parking in Redondo Beach?
Municipal Code 3-7.1313 defines the storage of vehicles on streets and alleys:
It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or has possession, custody, or control of any vehicle to park such vehicle upon any street or alley for more than seventy-two (72) hours in the aggregate during any period of seventy three (73) consecutive hours. For the purposes of this section, the vehicle shall be considered to have remained parked unless, during any seventy-two (72) hour period, the vehicle has been moved at least 100 feet from the position it previously occupied, or the odometer on the vehicle exhibits a change of at least two-tenths of one mile. This provision shall not be construed to authorize parking in excess of the regulatory time period otherwise provided in this article and all amendments thereto.
How do I report a vehicle that is parked on my street, and I think that it is stolen?
Please call (310) 379-5411 to speak with a police dispatcher. For the safety of our Municipal Services Officers, we will send police officers if the vehicle is stolen. Common indicators of a stolen vehicle are:
One of the side windows is broken and missing.
The ignition receptacle for a key is removed and a slot for a screwdriver is visible in its place.
The steering column is damaged and ignition mechanisms are exposed.
The vehicle has missing parts that appear to be recently removed.
Any of the above and the license plates are removed.
Vehicle Towed/Impounded
What happens if my vehicle is towed and impounded for multiple delinquent parking violations?
Vehicles that have five or more unpaid parking citations that are at least 21 days old may be impounded per California Vehicle Code section 22651(i).
You will be required to pay the original citation penalties, delinquent citation penalties, vehicle release fees to the City and tow and storage fees to the tow company.
If you do not pay all fees related to the citations, impound and storage of your vehicle within the required time (usually 60 days), the storage facility may conduct a lien sale of your vehicle to satisfy your financial obligations.
What must I do if my vehicle is towed and impounded for more than five delinquent parking citations?
If your vehicle has been towed and impounded for more than five delinquent parking citations, you must:
Have your vehicle license number ready
Speak with the Parking Enforcement staff at (310) 318-0617 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays and alternate Fridays when City Hall is closed.
You must pay all parking citations on the towed vehicle and all parking citations in your name owed on any other vehicle that is registered to you. (This is required by Vehicle Code 22651.7)
You may pay all Redondo Beach citations in-person at the Redondo Beach City Hall, 415 Diamond Street Door E by:
First, contacting the Parking Enforcement Unit for a list of citations and,
Second, by paying the Financial Services cashier for all outstanding Redondo Beach citations. This is the fastest method to pay for the citations to secure the release of your vehicle.
Third, any other citations issued by other agencies and with a DMV hold placed, must be paid at each of those agencies or at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Many registered owners may find it most convenient to pay all delinquent citations with a DMV hold at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
What parking laws may cause my vehicle to be towed, stored or impounded from the street?
When the vehicle is parked in a position to obstruct traffic or creates a hazard
When the vehicle is stolen or embezzled
When the vehicle blocks a private driveway
When the vehicle blocks the access to a fire hydrant
When the driver cannot remove the vehicle due to physical injuries or illness
When the driver is arrested and others cannot take possession of the vehicle
When a vehicle is illegally parked and blocks the movement of a legally parked vehicle.
When a peace officer issues the driver a citation for no driver license or a suspended license.
When a vehicle is found or operated upon a highway, public land, or an off-street parking facility with a registration expiration date in excess of six months.
Whenever a vehicle is parked where local authorities, by resolution or ordinance, have prohibited parking and have authorized the removal of vehicles.
What are examples of parking laws that may cause my vehicle to be towed, stored or impounded from a private parking lot that is open to the public?
Refer to California Vehicle Code section 22658 for a full list. Some examples or reasons your vehicle may be towed from private property are:
The property is posted properly for patron parking only, and you park in violation of this restriction.
Under certain circumstances if your vehicle registration is expired for an extended period.
The vehicle is on private property and lacks an engine, transmission, wheels, tires, doors, windshield, or any other major part or equipment necessary to operate safely on the highways, the owner or person in lawful possession of the private property has notified the police department, and 24 hours have elapsed since that notification.
Vehicle Releases Click here to jump to information about Vehicle Releases including:
The difference between a stored vehicle and an impounded vehicle
How to retrieve your vehicle if it is towed and stored
How to retrieve your vehicle if it is towed and impounded
How to request an Administrative Hearing for a 30-day impound
Where to go to retrieve your vehicle and what you need to do before going there
How do I have a vehicle towed from my private commercial property?
Before towing any vehicle, you should carefully read California Vehicle Code 22658.
You must comply with all requirements in this code which includes the proper posting of signs.
If you fail to comply with the requirements of this code, you may be liable to the owner of the vehicle and the tow company.
What types of signs are necessary?
Read California Vehicle Code 22658 for the full law. An example of the posting requirements includes that:
There is displayed, in plain view, at all entrances to the property
A sign not less than 17 inches by 22 inches in size
With lettering not less than one inch in height
Prohibiting public parking and indicating that vehicles will be removed at the owner's expense
Containing the telephone number of the local traffic law enforcement agency
Containing the name and telephone number of each towing company that is a party to a written general towing authorization agreement with the owner or person in lawful possession of the property
The sign may also indicate that a citation may also be issued for the violation.
How can I have a vehicle towed from my private single family residence property?
You may have the vehicle towed after notification to the Redondo Beach Police Department pursuant to Vehicle Code 22658(a). Any charges arising from the tow may be recovered through civil mean from the registered owner of the vehicle.
Can I receive a parking citation when my vehicle is parked on private property?
Yes. Some examples of citations that may be written for vehicles parked on private property in Redondo Beach are:
Front yard of a residence
Multiple residences on one property
Expired registration
Disabled parking spaces
Fire lanes
May I park in the front yard of my residence?
No, with some exceptions. Municipal Codes 10-2.1708 and 10-5.1708 define the front yard area of a property and prohibit the parking of automobiles and motor vehicles except for operative vehicles on approved driveways with direct access to a garage. The code also provides exceptions for approved parking pads subject to specific standards.
What can I do if my residence is one of two or more residences on the same lot and my neighbor continually parks in the driveway which blocks my vehicle access to my garage and residence?
Municipal Codes 10-2.1708 and 10-5.1708, subsection (d) regulates this:
(d) Parking prohibited on driveways serving multi-family dwellings. Any driveway which serves two (2) or more dwellings shall not be used for parking, or any other use that would impede the other residents from utilizing their required parking spaces.
Why did I receive a citation when my vehicle had expired registration and was parked in a mall parking lot?
See California Vehicle Code 4000.
Where to read the laws pertaining to oversized vehicles in Redondo Beach
How to register your oversized vehicle
Who must register an oversized vehicle
How to obtain oversized vehicle permits
How many days an oversized vehicle permit is valid
How many oversized vehicle permits are allowed per year
Where you may park with a permit
Residents, land-owners and visitors to residents ability to park with and without a permit.
Blocking my Driveway
How do I complain about a car blocking my driveway?
Call (310) 379-5411 to obtain assistance with a vehicle that is blocking your driveway.
If the vehicle blocks the driveway so that you cannot exit, the officer may tow the vehicle.
If the vehicle blocks the driveway partially and you are able to exit, the officer may use discretion and cite the vehicle.
Can I park in the street in front of my own driveway?
No. California Vehicle Code 12500 (e) prohibits this unless a City allows this parking by permit. Redondo Beach does not have a permit process to allow this at this time.
Commercial Vehicles
Can commercial vehicles park on residential streets?
Usually, no.
Municipal Code 3-7.1303 regulates commercial vehicle parking on residential streets:
A commercial vehicle as defined in Municipal Code Section 3-7.901 having an “unladed weight” of 6,000 pounds or more or having a “manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating” of 10,000 pounds or more shall not be parked on any street in a residential district. This restriction does not apply to any commercial vehicle coming from an unrestricted street having ingress and egress by a direct route to and from a restricted street when necessary for the purpose of making pickups or deliveries of goods, wares, and merchandise from or to any building or structure located on the restricted street or for the purpose of delivering materials to be used in the actual and bona fide repair, alteration, remodeling, or construction of any building or structure upon the restricted street for which a building permit has previously been obtained.
Is it legal to park a large truck and a trailer in our neighborhood on the street? How do I report a large truck and trailer?
No, depending on the size and weight of the vehicles.
The vehicle may be cited as a commercial vehicle if it exceeds the weight limit for commercial vehicles in a residential district.
It may also qualify as an oversized vehicle and may be cited.
Call the Police Department Communications Unit at (310) 379-5411 to request that a citation is issued by a police officer or municipal services officer.
Is it legal for my neighbors to park a large commercial truck on their residence property?
No, it is not legal depending on the weight.
Municipal Code sections 10-2.1708 and 10-5.1708 prohibit the garaging, parking, maintaining, or storage of any commercial vehicle, as defined in Section 10-2.402 which exceeds a registered unladed weight of five thousand, six hundred (5,600) pounds.
How to contest a citation if your placard was not displayed
Where to obtain a disabled placard
Where you may and may not park with a disabled placard
Parking Maps
(Under Construction)
Forms
(Under Construction)
About Us
Municipal Service Officers staff the Parking Enforcement Unit in the Redondo Beach Police Department. These officers enforce the City’s parking laws related to street sweeping, parking meters and miscellaneous regulations. Their goal is to provide quality customer service in response to community parking concerns and complaints.
