How Much Is a Parking Ticket in Santa Cruz?
Parking tickets in Santa Cruz range from $35 to $65. An expired meter costs $53. The most expensive violation is no stopping zone at $65. Late penalties add 50% after 30 days.
Quick Answer
The most common parking ticket in Santa Cruz is expired meter at $53. The most expensive is no stopping zone at $65.
All Parking Fine Amounts in Santa Cruz
| Violation | Fine | Late Fee (30+ days) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Stopping Zone | $65 | $98 | Vehicle stopped for any reason in a no-stopping zone |
| Unpaid Meter | $64 | $96 | Failed to pay any amount at a metered space |
| Street Cleaning Violation | $61 | $92 | Parked during posted street sweeping hours |
| Wrong Direction | $61 | $92 | Parked facing against the direction of traffic |
| No Standing Zone | $60 | $90 | Vehicle stopped in a no-standing zone (driver present or not) |
| Residential Permit Zone | $60 | $90 | Parked in a permit zone without a valid residential permit |
| Bus Lane / Bus Stop | $57 | $86 | Parked or stopped in a designated bus lane or bus stop |
| Blocking Driveway | $56 | $84 | Parked across or blocking a private driveway |
| Double Parked | $54 | $81 | Parked alongside another vehicle already at the curb |
| No Parking Zone | $54 | $81 | Parked in a signed no-parking area |
| Expired Meter | $53 | $80 | Time on a metered space has expired |
| Fire Hydrant | $50 | $75 | Parked within 15 feet (or local requirement) of a fire hydrant |
| Overtime Parking | $49 | $74 | Exceeded posted time limit in a time-restricted zone |
| Commercial Zone | $49 | $74 | Non-commercial vehicle parked in a commercial loading zone |
| Crosswalk | $47 | $71 | Parked within a marked crosswalk or within 20 feet of one |
| Snow Emergency | $47 | $71 | Parked on a snow emergency route during a declared snow emergency |
| Handicap Zone | $46 | $69 | Parked in an accessible space without a valid placard or plate |
| Fire Lane | $46 | $69 | Parked in a designated fire lane |
| School Zone | $45 | $68 | Parked in a school zone during restricted hours |
| Expired Registration | $40 | $60 | Vehicle parked on public street with expired registration |
| Bike Lane | $39 | $59 | Parked or stopped in a designated bicycle lane |
| Sidewalk | $36 | $54 | Vehicle parked on or blocking a sidewalk |
| Too Close to Intersection | $36 | $54 | Parked within 20-30 feet of an intersection (varies by city) |
| Too Far from Curb | $35 | $53 | Parked more than 12-18 inches from the curb (varies by city) |
Fine amounts based on published municipal fee schedules. Amounts may change. Always verify with official city sources.
Late Penalties
Unpaid parking tickets in Santa Cruz increase by approximately 50% after 30 days and may double after 60 days. After 90 days, additional administrative fees and collections referral may apply.
What Happens If You Don't Pay
What happens after an unpaid parking ticket in Santa Cruz:
Initial citation
Day 0Base fine amount due
Late penalty
+30 daysFine increases 50-100% (varies by city)
Second notice
+60 daysAdditional administrative fee ($10-25)
Collections referral
+90 daysSent to collections agency; may affect credit
Registration hold
+120 daysDMV hold — cannot renew vehicle registration
Boot/tow eligible
+150 daysVehicle subject to booting or towing at owner expense
Judgment
+180 daysCourt judgment; wage garnishment possible in some jurisdictions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most expensive parking ticket in Santa Cruz?
How much does an expired meter ticket cost in Santa Cruz?
Do parking ticket fines double in Santa Cruz?
Want to contest a ticket? You have 21 days. How to fight a parking ticket in Santa Cruz