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Costa Mesa Parking Tickets, Rules & Street Cleaning

Parking tickets in Costa Mesa cost $36-$65. Street cleaning runs biweekly on Wednesday. Meters enforced Mon-Sat 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM at $1.50-$4.02/hr. You have 30 days to contest.

Updated 2026-11-13

Quick Facts for Costa Mesa

Meter Hours
Mon-Sat 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

$1.50-$4.02/hr

Street Cleaning
Wednesday

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Fine Range
$36 - $65

Late penalties add 50% after 30 days

Most Expensive Violations

ViolationFineLate Fee
Sidewalk$65$98
Snow Emergency$63$95
Street Cleaning Violation$61$92
No Parking Zone$61$92
Expired Meter$60$90
See all 24 violation types and fines →

Street Cleaning Schedule

Frequency

biweekly

Typical Days

Wednesday

Hours

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Check posted signs — schedules vary by block. Signs always take precedence over general rules.

Check today's street cleaning status →

How to Fight a Parking Ticket

You have 30 days to contest a parking ticket in Costa Mesa. Contest by mail or request an in-person hearing.

  1. 1Review the ticket carefully — note the violation code, date, time, and location.
  2. 2Check if the posted signs match the violation. Take photos of all signs within 100 feet of where you parked.
  3. 3You have 30 days from the ticket date to contest.
Full guide: how to fight your ticket →

Residential Parking Permits

Costa Mesa offers residential parking permits for areas with restricted street parking. The annual cost is approximately $52.

You'll need proof of residency (utility bill or lease) and vehicle registration to apply.

Car Towed?

If your car was towed in Costa Mesa, call 311. Typical retrieval cost: $182 impound fee + $16/day storage.

Full towed car guide for Costa Mesa →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a parking ticket in Costa Mesa?
Parking tickets in Costa Mesa range from $36 to $65 depending on the violation. An expired meter ticket costs $60. A street cleaning ticket costs $61. Parking at a fire hydrant costs $49. Late penalties add 50% after 30 days.
How do I fight a parking ticket in Costa Mesa?
You have 30 days to contest a parking ticket in Costa Mesa. You can contest by mail or request an in-person hearing. Take photos of the parking signs near your vehicle. Common winning defenses include missing or obscured signs, broken meters, and incorrect license plate on the ticket.
What happens if I don't pay a parking ticket in Costa Mesa?
If you don't pay a parking ticket in Costa Mesa, the fine increases by approximately 50% after 30 days. After 60-90 days, the ticket may be sent to collections, and you could face vehicle booting, additional penalties, or difficulty renewing your registration. Multiple unpaid tickets can result in your car being towed.
When is street cleaning in Costa Mesa?
Street cleaning in Costa Mesa typically runs every other week on Wednesday from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Always check posted signs on your specific block — schedules vary by location.
What are the meter hours in Costa Mesa?
Parking meters in Costa Mesa are enforced Monday through Saturday. Free on Sundays and federal holidays. Check the meter for exact hours and rates.
How do I get a residential parking permit in Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa has residential parking permits. You need proof of residency (utility bill or lease) and vehicle registration. Annual cost is typically $25-$75.
My car was towed in Costa Mesa — how do I find it?
If your car was towed in Costa Mesa, call 311 or the city tow hotline immediately. You'll need your license plate number and vehicle description. Typical impound fees range from $100-$250 plus $15-$30 per day in storage. Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and payment to retrieve your vehicle.

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Back to Costa Mesa overviewAll parking resources

Fine amounts and rules are based on published municipal schedules and may change. Always check posted signs and your city's official parking website for the most current information. This page is for informational purposes only.