Can You Get Multiple Parking Tickets in the Same Spot in California?

Yes, you can get multiple parking tickets at the same spot in California.

It might seem tempting to just leave your car there with the ticket on it, but this approach is not likely to work to your advantage. In fact, you could be ticketed repeatedly for the same location until you address the issue. The number of tickets you receive depends on the reason for the original ticket and the local laws in place.

How Multiple Parking Tickets Can Be Issued

There are several ways you can get multiple parking tickets at the same spot in California:

Meter Expiration and Time Limits

For example, if you park in a metered spot and the meter expires, you'll receive a ticket. If you return to that spot the following day while the meter is still expired, you could be issued another ticket. Similarly, if you park in a one-hour zone and the meter expires, another ticket will be issued the next day. In a 24-hour period, you could potentially get a ticket for each hour that the meter is expired, leading to multiple tickets in one day.

Other Violations

There are other violations that can cause you to receive additional tickets:

Expired license plates Tinted windows Dead person in the trunk (an illegal and serious violation)

These violations can result in immediate ticketing. Even if you return to the same spot, you might still be ticketed, as the violation has not been resolved.

Examples of Multiple Tickets in California

For instance, in Los Angeles, if you get a ticket at 11 AM for a parking violation, you might be ticketed again eight hours later or whenever the enforcement comes around. This is true for any location that issues parking tickets. If a meter expires, you might be ticketed multiple times until it is paid or removed.

Supporting Evidence

Multiple parking tickets from the same spot are not uncommon in California. For example, a person was ticketed three consecutive days over a long weekend for expired license plates. All three tickets were upheld in court, indicating that these violations are serious and repeat offenses can be issued.

Addressing these violations as soon as possible is crucial, as leaving a car for extended periods without resolving the initial ticket can result in further penalties, such as having the vehicle towed.

Location-Specific Restrictions

It's worth noting that some locations in California, like a specific street in San Diego, may have less strict enforcement of parking laws. However, this does not mean that you are immune to multiple ticketing if you violate the rules.

Reasonableness Limits

Each violation is subject to a “reasonableness” limit. However, this limit is not reached until you appeal past the initial administrative contests. For example, parking in a one-hour zone could result in a ticket for every hour the meter is expired, as it might be deemed reasonable to do so.

Parking in high-traffic areas, such as red zones or bus zones, might also result in multiple tickets and towing within minutes of each other, even if you leave the spot briefly before returning.

Best Practices

To avoid multiple parking tickets, ensure that:

Your car is properly parked within designated areas. The meter is paid in full or has a valid permit. Your plates are current and valid. No illegal items (such as dead bodies) are in the trunk. Your windows are compliant with local regulations.

When in doubt, always move your car and address the issue promptly.

Destinations like Los Angeles continually work to enforce parking laws, and a long weekend with multiple expired plates results in multiple tickets. Addressing these issues promptly can avoid further penalties and keep your driving record clear.