Parking and Driveway Cutouts (Blocking a Driveway) Your vehicle cannot extend into the downward curve part a driveway or park within a official red curb paint. If that is indistinguishable, then your vehicle cannot extend into the opening that would be reasonably used by a vehicle to access their property.

Under California Vehicle Code (CVC) 22500(e), it is illegal to park a vehicle in front of a public or private driveway, regardless of whether the driveway is in use or not. "Blocking" is defined as any part of the vehicle, including the bumper or tire, overhanging any portion of the driveway's "cutout" or sloped area. Even if the driveway is your own, you can still be cited or towed if the vehicle is parked on a public street in a way that obstructs the entrance. The law is strictly enforced to ensure that emergency vehicles and residents have unobstructed access to property. In 2026, many California municipalities have increased fines for this violation to combat congestion and improve safety. Additionally, if a vehicle is blocking a sidewalk while parked in a driveway (the "sidewalk bridge"), this is also a separate violation. To stay safe, always ensure your vehicle is parked entirely within the flat curb area, leaving several inches of clearance from where the curb begins to slope down for the driveway.