Emergency No:
9-1-1 or (916) 714-5111
Non Emergency No:
(916) 714-5115
EGPD Frequently Asked Questions
Parking Related Issues
- I paid my registration fees, but I still got a citation for expired registration. Why?
- I received a citation for parking facing the wrong way on the street. Why is that a big deal?
- My road is narrow so I park with my car half on the sidewalk to avoid being hit by another car. Is that okay?
- I live in a cul-de-sac. Is it okay to park “straight in” on the street in front of my house?
- My neighbor parks his car on the street and never moves it. Who do I call?
- Where can I park my large commercial vehicle?
- How do I take care of a parking ticket?
- I have several late, unpaid parking tickets. How do I take care of those?
I paid my registration fees, but I still got a citation for expired registration. Why?
A vehicle is not considered registered unless all three criteria are met: smog compliance, proof of insurance provided to DMV, and registration fees paid. A vehicle may not be parked on a public street nor public retail parking lot without evidence of valid registration displayed. If a vehicle’s registration is expired over 6 months, the vehicle may be towed off the street without warning and held until the registered owner has contacted DMV to bring their registration up to date.
I received a citation for parking facing the wrong way on the street. Why is that a big deal?
Vehicles need to be parked next to the sidewalk with the flow of traffic. When a vehicle is parked the wrong way (against the flow of traffic), the vehicle’s rear red reflectors are not visible to oncoming traffic in darkness. This increases the chance of a collision. Also, when in the process of parking or leaving from facing the wrong direction, the vehicle has to cross over into the opposite direction of travel which increases the likelihood of a head-on collision.
My road is narrow so I park with my car half on the sidewalk to avoid being hit by another car. Is that okay?
Vehicles need to be parked on the surface of the street, not the sidewalk. The sidewalk allows pedestrians to safely traverse the area without having to walk in traffic. When vehicles park on the sidewalk, it limits the movement of children, adults, and persons with disabilities forcing them to enter the street. For clarification, the right side of the parked vehicle’s wheels may rest against the rolled portion of the curb leading from the street level to the sidewalk, but the wheels cannot rest on the horizontal surface of the sidewalk.
I live in a cul-de-sac. Is it okay to park “straight in” on the street in front of my house?
Even in a cul-de-sac, vehicles must be parked parallel to curb as in any other residential street. When vehicles park “straight in,” it blocks garbage trucks, fire trucks, and other vehicles from maneuvering.
My neighbor parks his car on the street and never moves it. Who do I call?
Contact the Traffic Bureau at (916) 478-8140. The law says a vehicle may be parked on a public street for not more that 72 consecutive hours in the same location. After 72 hours, the vehicle must be re-parked at least 300 feet away from the original spot. If a vehicle is left on the street over 72 hours without movement, it is considered abandoned. Upon receiving a complaint, the officer may affix a warning sticker on the vehicle and then re-check it at a later date. The warning sticker is provided as a courtesy, but if the officer has reason to believe to the vehicle has been parked at the same location (or within the 300 feet) over 72 hours without movement, he or she may tow the vehicle without notice. It is better to park vehicles in garages or driveways since everyone has to share the street.
Where can I park my large commercial vehicle?
Elk Grove has an Oversize Vehicle municipal code which restricts large commercial vehicles to park in certain designated non-residential areas. Since the fine amount is $300 per violation, commercial vehicle operators are encouraged to contact the Truck Advisory Hotline (916) 687-3000 for information on where to legally park. Most pickup trucks used for personal use to not qualify as an “Oversized Vehicle.”
View the Commercial Vehicle Ordinance information site.
How do I take care of a parking ticket?
Payment should be made by check or money order to:
City of Elk Grove
c/o Parking Citation Service Center
PO Box 11923
Santa Ana, CA 92711-1923
Please include the citation number on the check. A PENALTY WILL BE ASSESSED FOR CHECKS NOT HONORED BY YOUR BANK. DO NOT MAIL CASH.
You may also pay in person at our office, 8400 Laguna Palms Way, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information you may contact our Parking Enforcement Unit at (916) 478-8160
I have several late, unpaid parking tickets. How do I take care of those?
You need to go to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to take care of all the tickets. You will not be able to register your car until those are taken care of.
If you have other questions that you would like us to post here, please email the webmaster.
