Parking tickets in San Francisco can cost anywhere from $35 to $110 depending on the type of violation. Some of the most common parking violations and their associated fines are:
Metered Parking Violations
Parking at an expired meter in San Francisco will cost you a $76 parking ticket. This applies to both missing the time limit on the meter as well as not paying for parking at all. Parking at a broken meter is still considered a violation unless you call to report the broken meter immediately.
Street Cleaning Violations
If you park on the street on street cleaning day during the prohibited hours, you’ll get a $65 parking ticket in San Francisco. Street cleaning schedules are posted on signs throughout the city and are enforced by block. Be sure to check the signs before parking as street cleaning schedules can vary.
Residential Parking Permit Zone Violations
Parking in a residential permit parking zone without a permit will lead to a $110 parking citation. San Francisco has over 40 residential parking permit zones. You must display a valid permit if parking during the restricted hours.
Loading/Tow-Away Zone Violations
Parking in a tow-away zone, like those designated for commercial loading, will result in a $110 parking ticket. Your vehicle may also be towed. The same fine applies if you park in a zone that is marked as a tow-away zone during certain hours.
Parking Meter/Garage Receipt Violations
If you park at a metered space or garage but fail to properly display proof of payment, you’ll receive a $76 parking citation. Always be sure to fully display your receipt on the dashboard or use the ParkMobile app.
Parking in a Bus Zone
Parking in a designated bus zone in San Francisco will lead to a $110 parking ticket. Bus zones allow buses to safely pull over and load/unload passengers. They are clearly marked with signs.
Blocking a Driveway
Blocking a driveway, even partially, will result in a $110 parking ticket in San Francisco. This applies to both residential and commercial driveways. You must leave at least 5 feet of clearance.
Parking on the Sidewalk
Parking on the sidewalk is illegal in San Francisco and comes with a $76 parking citation. This applies even if you only partially park on the sidewalk and not fully.
Parking at a Colored Curb
Parking at a red, yellow, green, blue, or white curb will earn you a $110 parking ticket in San Francisco. Colored curbs have specific parking restrictions that must be followed.
Overtime Meter Violations
Exceeding the time limit on a parking meter will lead to a $76 parking citation in San Francisco. Meters have limits ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours typically. Check the meter before walking away.
Parking in a Tunnel
Parking in a highway or pedestrian tunnel in San Francisco comes with a $110 parking ticket. Tunnels must remain clear of parked vehicles except in an emergency.
Blocking a Wheelchair Ramp
Parking in front of a wheelchair ramp, even partially, will earn you a $765 parking citation in San Francisco. Always leave wheelchair ramps clear for accessibility.
Violating posted parking signs
Disobeying any posted parking signs in San Francisco will lead to fines starting at $65. Signs may restrict parking hours, permit requirements, street sweeping days, and more.
Parking in an Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Parking in an electric vehicle charging station if you are not actively charging your EV will result in a $76 parking ticket. Never park in an EV charging station spot if not using it.
Double Parking
Double parking, where you park parallel and adjacent to a car already parked at the curb, comes with a $110 parking citation in San Francisco. Double parking obstructs traffic.
Most Common Parking Violations
Below are the most common parking violations that lead to citations in San Francisco:
Violation | Fine Amount |
---|---|
Expired meter | $76 |
Street cleaning violation | $65 |
Parking in permit zone without permit | $110 |
Parking in a tow-away zone | $110 |
Failing to display meter payment | $76 |
Factors That Determine Parking Ticket Costs
What determines how much a parking ticket will cost you in San Francisco? Here are some key factors:
Type of Violation
As covered already, the type of parking violation dictates the fine amount. More severe violations tend to have higher fines. Violations that obstruct traffic or accessibility cost more.
Location
Where you get a parking ticket impacts the cost. Violations downtown and in busy areas sometimes have slightly higher fines than the same violation in other areas.
Meter Rates
Areas with more expensive hourly and daily meter rates tend to have higher fines for violations like an expired meter. Popular tourist zones often lead to pricier parking tickets.
Street Sweeping Schedules
Parking during street sweeping on streets with more frequent cleaning (multiple times a week) may have higher fines than areas with less frequent cleaning.
Previous Violations
If it’s not your first ticket, fines may increase by $10-15 in some cases for second or third offenses committed within a 365 day period.
Violation Severity
Marked fire hydrants, bus zones, and accessibility ramps result in harsher citations than expired meters or missing permits.
Parking Demand
Areas of the city with more limited parking like downtown see larger fines to discourage violations and increase turnover.
How to Pay a Parking Ticket in San Francisco
If you receive a parking citation in San Francisco, here is how to pay it:
Online Payment
The easiest way to pay a San Francisco parking ticket is online. You can pay on the SFMTA website by searching your license plate or ticket number. Fees apply for online payment.
By Mail
You can pay your parking ticket by mailing in a check or money order. Include your ticket number and be sure it arrives before the due date.
In-Person
For in-person payment, you can go to the SFMTA Customer Service Center and pay by cash, credit card, money order or check.
By Phone
Paying your parking ticket over the phone is an option as well. Call the SFMTA call center and have your ticket information ready.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay a Parking Ticket?
Failing to pay a parking ticket in San Francisco can lead to additional fines and penalties. Here’s what can happen:
Late Fees
If you miss the initial due date for payment, a $25 late fee will be added to your parking citation cost. Late fees continue to accumulate the longer it goes unpaid.
DMV Registration Hold
If your unpaid parking tickets remain delinquent after multiple notices, the DMV may put a hold on registering your vehicle. This prevents renewal until tickets are paid.
Boot and Tow
If you rack up 5 or more unpaid parking tickets, your car could get booted or towed the next time it’s found parked on city streets. This adds impound fees to your costs.
Civil Judgement
After multiple notices, unpaid parking tickets are referred to a civil court judgement. If ruled against, you must pay additional court fees.
Wage Garnishment
As a last resort, the city may work with your employer to garnish unpaid parking ticket fees from your wages.
How to Contest a Parking Ticket in San Francisco
If you believe your parking ticket was issued incorrectly, you can contest it in San Francisco through the following methods:
Administrative Review
You can request an administrative review online or by mail within 21 days of the citation issue date. This is reviewed internally by the city.
In-Person Hearing
To plead your case in-person, you can request an administrative hearing and argue before a hearing officer why the ticket should be dismissed.
Superior Court Appeal
If your initial hearing ruled against you, you have 20 days to file an appeal to bring your parking ticket case to Superior Court.
Top Reasons Parking Tickets Get Dismissed
Parking tickets often get dismissed when:
- The signage or curb markings were unclear
- The officer made an error on the ticket details
- You can prove your vehicle was not there when cited
- You were blocked in by another vehicle
- There were mitigating circumstances like a medical emergency
However, excuses like not seeing the signs or forgetting to pay typically don’t hold up. Document everything you can if you plan to contest.
Strategies to Avoid Parking Tickets
No one wants to get parking tickets. Here are some tips to avoid them in San Francisco:
Read All Signs
Carefully check all parking signs on the block before leaving your car. Signage overrides colored curbs and pavement markings.
Watch Time Limits
Set a timer on your phone if parking at a spot with a time restriction. Moving your car to another block resets the time limit.
Purchase a Permit
If you regularly park in a permit zone, purchase the necessary residential or street sweeping permit to avoid citations.
Use Payment Apps
Pay for metered parking with apps like ParkMobile so you can extend time remotely without having to rush back to feed the meter.
Review Street Cleaning Schedules
Note weekly street cleaning days affecting where you park. Set calendar reminders on street sweeping days if needed.
Contest Early, Be Polite
If you believe a ticket was unjustified, contest it as early as possible. A polite, constructive tone goes a long way.
Conclusion
Parking tickets in San Francisco can be pricey but also often avoidable. Be a diligent parker, set reminders, pay attention to signs, use payment apps, and double check street cleaning schedules. If you do get a citation, be sure to pay it on time or contest it promptly. With some care taken, parking tickets don’t have to break the bank in SF.