Parking Tips
The City of Riverside Parking Policy and Regulations, the California Vehicle Code, and the ordinances of the City of Riverside are in effect and enforced at all times. Citations will be issued according to the printed and posted regulations. Here are the most common parking violations in the City of Riverside and how you can help to prevent them:
- Timed Zones
- On-street parking and municipal facilities such as parking lots and structures are timed. Timed-zones allow or permit any vehicle operated or controlled to be parked for any period of time on-street or within a municipal parking facility where parking is permitted without charge for limited periods of time.
- Parking beyond the time specified, or moving your vehicle from space-to-space within the same block or facility throughout the day prior to the maximum time allotted, does not receive additional time.
- Check the Signs on Curb Stops and at the Entrances
- Before parking your vehicle, check the parking signs. Some lots have one or more entrance signs that provide information on the type(s) of permit(s), which are authorized.
- In addition, individual spaces within the lots may be marked for public parking or may be for a specific type of permit. These spaces are individually marked with the type of permit required. Those displaying the proper permit may only use these spaces.
- Areas Enforced
- Certain lots, spaces, and areas of the garages require that a valid permit be displayed. These areas are marked and “enforced at all times.”
- Other examples of spaces that are enforced at all times are spaces for the disabled, reserved spaces, and restricted service areas. Time zones are also enforced at all times and are marked as such.
- Check Signs and Curb Markings on Streets
- Before parking your vehicle check the signs and curb markings. Downtown Riverside has 1-hour and 2-hour parking, as well as 10-minute, 20-minute, and 30-minute parking zones.
- Vehicles may not park longer than the time limit on any one-day. Persons who move their vehicles from space-to-space within the same block or lot are subject to a parking citation.
- Monthly Permits
- Monthly parking permits are required in specific parking lots and garages throughout Downtown Riverside and are valid Monday through Friday from 5:00AM to 6:00 PM.
- After hours, permit spaces may be used for other purposes. No permit is needed if parked in metered spaces (but the meter must be fed). Handicapped placards are not valid in “permit only” nor “reserved only” parking spaces.
- Look at Your Permit
- It will state what parking garage or parking lot in which you can park. Park only in the lots and garages specified on your permit.
- Permits Must be Properly Displayed to be Valid
- All permits must be displayed in the lower left-hand corner of the windshield in accordance with the instructions issued with the permit.
- Altered, Counterfiet or Stolen Permits
- Displaying a permit that is altered, counterfeit, or reported stolen will result in a parking citation.
- Permits are Not Valid for Parking Meters
- Meters must be fed during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM). Handicapped placards may be used to park in a metered zone without payment.
- Preferential Parking Permits
- Preferential Parking Permits are available to residents and businesses. For more information contact the City of Riverside, Traffic Engineering office at (951) 826-5366.
- Expired Parking Meters
- All parking meters have maximum time limits (15 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, or 4 hours). A sign stating the maximum time that meter will allow accompanies each meter. The Pay-by-Space meter is accompanied by instructional step-by-step signage. Please read instructions carefully.
- Parking on Unimproved Surfaces
- Parking vehicles on any unpaved vacant lot is not permitted.
- Parking vehicles on landscaped and/or unimproved areas of private property is not permitted.
For more information on these restrictions, please contact Parking Services at (951) 826-5620
