According to California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k), and City of Carlsbad Municipal Code 10.40.010(a), it is unlawful to park a vehicle on any street or public place in excess of 72 or more consecutive hours. Vehicles not driven more than one-tenth of a mile from its original position every 72 hours are subject to citation or towing at owner's expense. Recreational vehicles may park on public streets subject to the previously mentioned sections; trailers must remain attached to a vehicle. You can report a vehicle parked for more than 72 hours via an online reporting system.
A person must pay or contest a parking ticket, within 21 days of the issue date. Two of the most common types of correctable citations dismissed are failing to display valid handicapped placard at the time of the citation, or getting a vehicle registration current.
The City of Carlsbad implemented an RV ordinance in March 2013. The city restricts overnight parking of recreational and oversized vehicles on city streets between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Every citation will be assessed a $50 penalty. The goal of the ordinance is to effectively manage the parking of RVs and oversized vehicles in the City of Carlsbad, and address the many complaints by residents, visitors and business owners associated with overnight parking of RVs on city streets.
The ordinance includes exceptions to accommodate the needs of city residents, their guests, and hotel or motel guests with RVs.
Residents and their guests can apply for an oversized vehicle permit, which must be displayed in the window when the vehicle is parked on a city street between hours of 2 to 5 a.m. The vehicle must be parked within 400 feet of the residence that was granted the permit. Following are the types of permits that will be granted:
The free permit can be obtained from the City of Carlsbad Police Department Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Police Department is located at 2560 Orion Way, 760-931-2119. View an application here.