CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #C2
DATE: October 14, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager
BY: Steve Gomez, Director of Public Safety & Community Relations RECOMMENDATION:
RECOMMENDATION TO RECEIVE AND FILE AN OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC SAFETY
ENFORCEMENT OF VEHICLE PARKING LAWS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA VEHICLE
CODE INCLUDING THE PROHIBITION ON PARKING IN FRONT OF DRIVEWAYS
SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to provide information to the public about common vehicle parking rules and prohibitions under the California Vehicle Code enforced in the City and to provide additional background regarding the history and purpose of the prohibition on parking in front of driveways, as set forth in California Vehicle Code Section 22500(e).
The report also describes the City’s outreach and enforcement efforts.
DISCUSSION
Vehicle Parking Laws Enforced in the City
The City’s Public Safety and Community Relations Division is responsible for maintaining public safety, which includes enforcing vehicle parking laws.
The California Vehicle Code includes a number of rules and prohibitions about vehicle parking. Violating these rules and prohibitions can result in a variety of penalties, ranging from fines to having vehicles towed. Some common parking violations include:
• Parking Along a Red Curb – According to California Vehicle Code Section 21458, a red curb indicates no stopping, standing, or parking. Relatedly, California Vehicle Code Section 22500.1 prohibits parking along a fire lane. These prohibitions are generally enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, unless posted signs specifically state otherwise.
Agenda Item #C2
October 14, 2026
• Parking During Street Sweeping Hours – California Vehicle Code Section 22507.6 authorizes local authorities to prohibit or restrict parking on particular streets to accommodate the sweeping of those streets. The posted street signs govern the restricted parking hours, even if the sweeper has already passed. • Double Parking – Double parking is illegal in California under California Vehicle Code Section 22500(h), which prohibits stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle on the roadway side of another vehicle already parked at the curb. • Parking in or Blocking Disabled Parking Spaces - Under California Vehicle Code Section 22507.8, it is illegal to commit the following acts in designated parking areas:
o Parking in spaces designated for disabled persons or disabled veterans without a valid placard or special license plate.
o Blocking or obstructing access to an accessible parking space. o Parking on the boundary lines or in the crosshatched loading/unloading zones adjacent to a.
• Parking Near Sidewalk Access Ramp – California Vehicle Code Section 22522, prohibits parking within three feet of any sidewalk access ramp or wheelchair curb ramp if the area is designated by a sign or red paint.
• Parking in Front of and Blocking Driveway - California Vehicle Code 22500(e) prohibits stopping, parking or leaving a vehicle in front of a public or private driveway. Obstructing a private driveway is prohibited even if the driver of a vehicle owns the property or has received permission to do so from the property owner. • Parking More than 18 Inches from the Curb - In California, parking more than 18 inches away from the curb is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 22502(a).
• Expired or Missing Tags and Registration - In California, driving a vehicle with expired or missing registration tags violates California Vehicle Code Section 5204(a)).
• Parking in the Same Location for 72 Hours - Under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k), leaving a vehicle parked in the same spot on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours is prohibited.
Prohibition on Blocking a Driveway
California Vehicle Code Section 22500(e) has been codified in its current form since 1959; however, the prohibition dates back to 1923. It states that no one can stop, park or leave a car on the public street in front of a public or private driveway.
Agenda Item #C2
October 14, 2026
Hawaiian Gardens is a densely populated community with high demand for the limited available street parking. Even though street parking is limited, access to driveways must remain clear. Blocked driveways restrict access and create safety concerns for residents and the community. Enforcing California Vehicle Code 22500(e) helps ensure that residents, visitors, and emergency vehicles can readily access and depart private properties as necessary.
Over the past year, the City has received many complaints about vehicles partially or fully blocking driveways. Additionally, since April 2026, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s Lakewood Station, has received 75 phone calls from Hawaiian Gardens residents, reporting that their driveways were blocked by a vehicle.
In response, the City encourages residents to use their garages and driveways for vehicle parking. The City also uses its social media platforms to remind residents that parking in front of a public or private driveway is prohibited. When appropriate, the City issues warnings and citations for violations. Together, these education, outreach and enforcements efforts help ensure the safety of our community.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve Recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Vehicle Parking Laws flyer