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San Mateo Parking Tickets, Rules & Street Cleaning

Parking tickets in San Mateo cost $35-$65. Street cleaning runs biweekly on Wednesday. Meters enforced Mon-Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM at $1.00-$2.55/hr. You have 14 days to contest.

Updated 2026-11-13

Quick Facts for San Mateo

Meter Hours
Mon-Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

$1.00-$2.55/hr

Street Cleaning
Wednesday

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Fine Range
$35 - $65

Late penalties add 50% after 30 days

Most Expensive Violations

ViolationFineLate Fee
Blocking Driveway$65$98
Wrong Direction$64$96
Expired Meter$63$95
Residential Permit Zone$62$93
No Stopping Zone$58$87
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 14 days to contest a parking ticket in San Mateo. 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 14 days from the ticket date to contest.
Full guide: how to fight your ticket →

Residential Parking Permits

San Mateo offers residential parking permits for areas with restricted street parking. The annual cost is approximately $39.

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

Car Towed?

If your car was towed in San Mateo, call 311. Typical retrieval cost: $187 impound fee + $27/day storage.

Full towed car guide for San Mateo →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a parking ticket in San Mateo?
Parking tickets in San Mateo range from $35 to $65 depending on the violation. An expired meter ticket costs $63. A street cleaning ticket costs $36. Parking at a fire hydrant costs $46. Late penalties add 50% after 30 days.
How do I fight a parking ticket in San Mateo?
You have 14 days to contest a parking ticket in San Mateo. 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 San Mateo?
If you don't pay a parking ticket in San Mateo, 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 Mateo?
Street cleaning in San Mateo 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 San Mateo?
Parking meters in San Mateo 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 Mateo?
San Mateo 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 Mateo — how do I find it?
If your car was towed in San Mateo, 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.