I recently responded to a question from a PSLA user named Andrew who wanted to know if he could legally park his bike on the sidewalk in LA, so I decided to break down some of the common motorcycle parking myths for you this week.
Parking your motorcycle in LA can be confusing because there are the technical rules for motorcycles and then there are the actual rules that are enforced. These two things are often as far apart as James Harden and a Gillette razor endorsement. (that’s a basketball reference). Here’s a breakdown of motorcycle parking laws for LA.
1. Can I park my motorcycle on the sidewalk as long as it’s not blocking the sidewalk?
No. Under CA Vehicle Code 22500 you can never park your motorcycle on the sidewalk legally. I know you’re thinking you park your bike by the sidewalk all the time without any problems. Most parking officers don't enforce this, but know that you are always taking a risk of getting a ticket if you park there.
2. If the spot says permit parking only, can I still park my motorcycle there because it doesn’t take up the full spot?
Negative: If a sign says permit parking only it applies equally to cars and motorcycles. If you park your bike there you can could get a ticket.
3. Can I share a metered parking spot with a car?
Sometimes false and sometimes true. This varies widely by town ordinance and enforcement. Even in most towns where this is technically illegal it is a rare parking enforcement officer that will actually ticket you it. Be warned though, it is not unheard of for this to actually garner a ticket in some parts of metropolitan Los Angeles.
4. I can park my bike in between two parking spots?
No. This, like most answers, comes down to enforcement. A lot of officers won’t ticket for this, but technically they could. If the area in between the parking spots is a red zone you will definitely get a ticket, but if it’s not you’re probably okay.
Here’s a little light reading to help you fall asleep at night.
CVC § 22500 No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle whether attended or unattended, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a peace officer or official traffic control device, in any of the following places: . . . (f) On any portion of a sidewalk, or with the body of the vehicle extending over any portion of a sidewalk . . . . Lights, mirrors, or devices that are required to be mounted upon a vehicle under this code may extend from the body of the vehicle over the sidewalk to a distance of not more than 10 inches.
Parking your motorcycle in LA can be confusing because there are the technical rules for motorcycles and then there are the actual rules that are enforced. These two things are often as far apart as James Harden and a Gillette razor endorsement. (that’s a basketball reference). Here’s a breakdown of motorcycle parking laws for LA.
1. Can I park my motorcycle on the sidewalk as long as it’s not blocking the sidewalk?
No. Under CA Vehicle Code 22500 you can never park your motorcycle on the sidewalk legally. I know you’re thinking you park your bike by the sidewalk all the time without any problems. Most parking officers don't enforce this, but know that you are always taking a risk of getting a ticket if you park there.
2. If the spot says permit parking only, can I still park my motorcycle there because it doesn’t take up the full spot?
Negative: If a sign says permit parking only it applies equally to cars and motorcycles. If you park your bike there you can could get a ticket.
3. Can I share a metered parking spot with a car?
Sometimes false and sometimes true. This varies widely by town ordinance and enforcement. Even in most towns where this is technically illegal it is a rare parking enforcement officer that will actually ticket you it. Be warned though, it is not unheard of for this to actually garner a ticket in some parts of metropolitan Los Angeles.
4. I can park my bike in between two parking spots?
No. This, like most answers, comes down to enforcement. A lot of officers won’t ticket for this, but technically they could. If the area in between the parking spots is a red zone you will definitely get a ticket, but if it’s not you’re probably okay.
Here’s a little light reading to help you fall asleep at night.
CVC § 22500 No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle whether attended or unattended, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a peace officer or official traffic control device, in any of the following places: . . . (f) On any portion of a sidewalk, or with the body of the vehicle extending over any portion of a sidewalk . . . . Lights, mirrors, or devices that are required to be mounted upon a vehicle under this code may extend from the body of the vehicle over the sidewalk to a distance of not more than 10 inches.
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