Anonymous
Source: City of Goleta
This month, Sergeant John Maxwell, head of the City of Goleta’s Motor Traffic Unit, is sharing parking tips. Even though we may see a space large enough to fit a car or truck, it does not mean it is a legal parking space. California law puts restrictions on certain locations to enhance public safety and to provide easier access for emergency services.
The following is a brief list of parking violations commonly encountered by City of Goleta Parking Enforcement:
- Parking within 15 feet of a Fire Hydrant:
The California Vehicle Code prohibits parking a vehicle within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant, whether or not the curb is painted red. The purpose of this law is to allow the Fire Department access to the hydrant in the event of an emergency. The only exception to this law is if a licensed driver is sitting in the front seat and is able to immediately move the vehicle if needed. - Blocking Wheelchair Access:
The California Vehicle Code also prohibits parking a vehicle blocking any portion of a curb that has been cut down, lowered, or built to provide wheelchair accessibility to the sidewalk. These areas are typically located on corners, but be watchful as they can also be present wherever the need to provide wheelchair accessibility has been established. Also note that, unlike fire hydrants, there is no exception to this law, even if a driver is in the vehicle. - Red Curbs:
We all know that it is unlawful to park along a red curb. The Goleta Police Department’s Traffic Unit would like to remind all motorists that this includes any portion of your vehicle that may extend into the red curb. When parking, be sure to take an extra moment to ensure your vehicle is not in a red zone in any way to avoid the cost and inconvenience of a parking citation.
The Goleta Police Department is committed to working with our community to keep our roads safe for everyone. If you observe a parking violation that you believe needs to be addressed quickly, please call (805) 683-2724 to notify a Deputy or Parking Enforcement Officer. To report an ongoing parking issue that concerns you, please click here to complete a Citizen Service Request.
Many years ago I found a red zone parking citation on the windshield of my car. My car was parked less than the length of my hand within the painted curb. I consider myself as law abiding. And wrong is wrong, but for that particular incident, it was total BS then – and total BS now as I think about it. Thank you for letting me vent.
9:35 a.m. You are correct. Mea culpa. Parking in bike lanes is not prohibited unless posted. So what I gather from this is that there is a lot of information out there that our resident “expert” does not deal with. Gawd knows how many bad citations are issued because the cop doesn’t know the law?
Silly. Also not allowed to park in bike lanes or when signs are posted or to double park or to block a driveway or to leave the car with the motor running. Calling on people to report parking violations is a bit scary but really pretty small potatoes…maybe we should have a call for less parking regulation?
This really boils my blood! They are NOT above the law, and I’m sick of seeing cops run red lights, etc, and then just slow down to regular traffic flow (because they can). Just yesterday I was behind a cop who pulled a U-turn abruptly in the middle of the street (a moving violation with a hefty fine)! This cop then proceeded to just keep going as if nothing had happened.
Cops are public servants, nothing more, here to “keep the peace” but it has become a giant militarized mess… a club and a culture for the “men in blue”. They are NOT ABOVE THE LAW, and they should act accordingly and follow the rules of traffic at ALL times unless pursuit of an emergency calls for them to rush. So sick of this. Be an example, cops, don’t just flaunt your power.