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San Diego Parking Tickets, Rules & Street Cleaning

Parking tickets in San Diego cost $36-$65. Street cleaning runs biweekly on Thursday. Meters enforced Mon-Sat 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM at $1.25-$2.55/hr. You have 21 days to contest.

Updated 2026-11-13

Quick Facts for San Diego

Meter Hours
Mon-Sat 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

$1.25-$2.55/hr

Street Cleaning
Thursday

7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Fine Range
$36 - $65

Late penalties add 50% after 30 days

Most Expensive Violations

ViolationFineLate Fee
No Stopping Zone$65$98
No Parking Zone$64$96
Crosswalk$64$96
Fire Hydrant$63$95
Overtime Parking$60$90
See all 24 violation types and fines →

Street Cleaning Schedule

Frequency

biweekly

Typical Days

Thursday

Hours

7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

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 21 days to contest a parking ticket in San Diego. Online and mail contest available.

  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 21 days from the ticket date to contest.
Full guide: how to fight your ticket →

Residential Parking Permits

San Diego offers residential parking permits for areas with restricted street parking. The annual cost is approximately $23.

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

Car Towed?

If your car was towed in San Diego, call 619-531-2000. Typical retrieval cost: $185 impound fee + $40/day storage.

Full towed car guide for San Diego →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a parking ticket in San Diego?
Parking tickets in San Diego range from $36 to $65 depending on the violation. An expired meter ticket costs $48. A street cleaning ticket costs $53. Parking at a fire hydrant costs $63. Late penalties add 50% after 30 days.
How do I fight a parking ticket in San Diego?
You have 21 days to contest a parking ticket in San Diego. You can contest online at https://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/parking/contest or by mail. 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 San Diego?
If you don't pay a parking ticket in San Diego, 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 San Diego?
Street cleaning in San Diego typically runs every other week on Thursday from 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM. Always check posted signs on your specific block — schedules vary by location.
What are the meter hours in San Diego?
Parking meters in San Diego 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 San Diego?
San Diego 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 San Diego — how do I find it?
If your car was towed in San Diego, 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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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.