Parking Services

PARKING FAQ

• Where May I Park?

  You may park at any unpainted curb side that is not posted with a no stopping or no parking sign. Vehicles over three tons may park on streets only authorized by local ordinance. Meter parking is available in Downtown, Belmont Shore, the beach lots and at the Long Beach Airport. All meters accept quarters.

• Where May I Not Park?

  Parking in street sweeping zones are enforced throughout the City Monday through Friday, with some City holidays excepted. Areas are posted for various hours with time zones ranging from 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The City sweeps either side of a street in a given area on two different days. Posted signs indicate both the time and day each side of the street is swept. Check posted signs for specific days and times.

  Alleys:

  For the safety of the public, parking in alleys is not permitted in the City. They must be available for emergency vehicles, i.e., fire trucks, ambulances, etc.

  Fire Lanes:

  Only City emergency vehicles may park in fire lanes.

  Painted Curbs:

  Please observe the following parking regulations regarding painted curbs:
  Red - No stopping, standing or parking at any time.
  Blue - Handicapped parking only (must display disabled license plate or a valid placard).
  Yellow - May park long enough to load or unload freight or passengers.
  White - Two-minute passenger loading and unloading only. Driver must remain in the vehicle.
  Green - May park for a limited time only. Time is usually painted on curb.

  Crosswalks:

  No parking in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

  Sidewalk Ramp:

  Do not park within three feet (3) of a sidewalk ramp for the disabled.

  Driveways:

  Do not park so as to block a public or private driveway.

  Parkways and sidewalks:

  Do not stop or park on any portion of the sidewalk or parkway.

  Intersection:

  Do not stop, park, or leave your vehicle within an intersection.

  Fire Hydrants:

  Do not park within fifteen feet (15) of a fire hydrant or the driveway entrance to any fire station.

  Railroad Tracks:

  Do not park on or within seven and one-half feet (7.5) of any railroad tracks.

  Bridge or Tunnel:

  Do not park except where permitted by signs.

  Private Property:

  Do not park on private property posted "no parking".

  Unpaved Lot(s):

  Do not park on vacant unpaved lot(s).

  Residential Area:

  Do not park commercial vehicles (over three tons) in residential areas. Do not park in residential Preferential Parking Permit areas without City of Long Beach issued Preferential Parking Permit.

• What Happens if My Vehicle is Towed?

  If your vehicle has been towed and is being held for delinquent parking citations, do not make a payment using this online system. You will need to speak to a customer service representative at (562) 570-6822 between the hours of 7:30 AM. to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays. You should have your vehicle license number ready. Please be aware that you must pay ALL parking citations on the towed vehicle as well as ALL parking citations in your name owed on any other vehicle. Citations must be paid by cash or credit card.

• What Happens if I violate a Parking Law?

  If you park illegally and receive a citation, read carefully and follow all instructions on the citation. Failure to submit payment within the required time may result in a penalty being added to the original fine and a hold being placed against your vehicle registration, or the vehicle may be towed.

  Once a citation has been placed against the registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the payment can be made when renewing registration or at Long Beach City Hall. For prompt posting of the payment, it is advisable to pay directly to the City of Long Beach.

  California Vehicle Code Section 22651 (i) gives authorization for the towing or booting of a vehicle when there are 5 or more unpaid citations over 21 days. Should your vehicle be towed for outstanding citations, you may contact the Parking Citation Section for information pertaining to the towing and amount due or visit Towing Operations. The vehicle must have current registration and all towing and storage fees must be paid prior to the release of the vehicle.