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Santa Cruz Parking Tickets, Rules & Street Cleaning

Parking tickets in Santa Cruz cost $35-$65. Street cleaning runs biweekly on Tuesday. Meters enforced Mon-Sat 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM at $1.25-$3.60/hr. You have 21 days to contest.

Updated 2026-11-13

Quick Facts for Santa Cruz

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

$1.25-$3.60/hr

Street Cleaning
Tuesday

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Fine Range
$35 - $65

Late penalties add 50% after 30 days

Most Expensive Violations

ViolationFineLate Fee
No Stopping Zone$65$98
Unpaid Meter$64$96
Street Cleaning Violation$61$92
Wrong Direction$61$92
No Standing Zone$60$90
See all 24 violation types and fines →

Street Cleaning Schedule

Frequency

biweekly

Typical Days

Tuesday

Hours

8:00 AM - 11:00 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 Santa Cruz. 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 21 days from the ticket date to contest.
Full guide: how to fight your ticket →

Car Towed?

If your car was towed in Santa Cruz, call 311. Typical retrieval cost: $150 impound fee + $13/day storage.

Full towed car guide for Santa Cruz →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a parking ticket in Santa Cruz?
Parking tickets in Santa Cruz range from $35 to $65 depending on the violation. An expired meter ticket costs $53. A street cleaning ticket costs $61. Parking at a fire hydrant costs $50. Late penalties add 50% after 30 days.
How do I fight a parking ticket in Santa Cruz?
You have 21 days to contest a parking ticket in Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz?
If you don't pay a parking ticket in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?
Street cleaning in Santa Cruz typically runs every other week on Tuesday from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Always check posted signs on your specific block — schedules vary by location.
What are the meter hours in Santa Cruz?
Parking meters in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?
Contact Santa Cruz city hall to check if residential parking permits are available in your area.
My car was towed in Santa Cruz — how do I find it?
If your car was towed in Santa Cruz, 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.