CVC 22500(a) Explained: Stopping, Standing, or Parking Where Prohibited in California
Stopping, standing, or parking where prohibited
Written by
Violation category
General Traffic
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
0 points
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 22500(a)?
Stopping, standing, or parking where prohibited
Common scenarios
- You stopped briefly to drop off a friend in front of a building, but there was a clear "No Stopping" sign posted. The officer gave you a ticket because stopping is not allowed, even for a quick drop-off.
- You parked your car near a fire hydrant because no signs were visible. Later, you got a ticket because parking near a fire hydrant is always prohibited, even if there’s no sign.
- Your car broke down on a busy street, and you had to stop in a no-parking zone. You called for help immediately and stayed with your vehicle until it was fixed.
Key facts
- No Parking vs. No Stopping vs. No Standing: No Parking means you can stop briefly to load or unload passengers or goods. No Stopping means you can’t stop your vehicle at all, even to drop off passengers. No Standing means you can stop only to load or unload passengers but not goods.
- Look for Signs and Curb Colors: Signs and curb paint (red, yellow, white) tell you where you can or can’t stop or park. Red usually means no stopping or parking at any time.
- Tickets Can Affect Your Record: Getting a ticket for this violation may add points to your driving record and could increase your insurance rates if not handled properly.
Fine breakdown for CVC 22500(a)
| Category | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Base fine | $35 |
| Court & county surcharges (estimate) | $133 |
| Total estimated out-of-pocket | $168 |
County fees can multiply the base fine by 3–5x. ClerkHero confirms exact totals using your ticket details.
What is CVC 22500(a)?
This law says you can’t stop, stand, or park your car in places where signs or rules say it’s not allowed. That means no parking or waiting in spots that block traffic, fire lanes, or other restricted areas.
If you got a ticket for this, it means the officer saw your car where it shouldn’t have been stopped or parked. It can feel confusing or unfair, but understanding the rule helps you figure out what to do next.
Why is this important?
Stopping or parking in the wrong spot can cause safety problems. It might block emergency vehicles, make it hard for other drivers to see, or slow down traffic.
What should you know?
- Look for signs or curb markings that say "No Parking," "No Stopping," or "No Standing."
- Even if you’re just stopping for a minute, it can still be against the law.
- Sometimes, temporary signs or rules apply (like during street cleaning).
If you disagree with the ticket, there are ways to fight it. Let’s look at some common defenses and examples to help you understand your options.
Defense ideas you can use in your TR-205 packet
Every ticket is different, but these arguments often surface in successful Trial-by-Declaration defenses. ClerkHero tailors the narrative to match your facts and any evidence you upload.
Defense 1
You were unloading or loading passengers quickly and safely, and it was an emergency.
Defense 2
There were no visible signs or curb markings indicating parking or stopping was prohibited.
Defense 3
You had to stop because of a mechanical problem or other emergency.
Defense 4
The officer made a mistake and your car was not actually stopped or parked in a prohibited area.
Defense 5
Temporary conditions (like road work or detours) made it unclear where you could legally stop or park.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 22500(a) online
ClerkHero builds your entire TR-205 defense packet automatically. No lawyer. No court visit. No confusing forms. Just upload your ticket and we handle the rest.
Step 1
Upload your ticket
We extract all violation details using hybrid OCR and AI. Works for handwritten, camera, and printed citations.
Step 2
We generate your defense
You answer a few questions. We craft a TR-205 defense letter tailored to this exact violation code.
Step 3
Sign, mail, and track
You receive a complete filing packet with step-by-step instructions. Never miss a deadline again.
Frequently asked questions about CVC 22500(a)
Can I stop briefly to pick up someone in a no stopping zone?
No. A no stopping zone means you can’t stop your car at all, even for a quick pickup or drop-off.
What if I didn’t see any signs or markings?
You are responsible for knowing the rules where you park or stop. However, if no signs or markings were visible, this can be a good defense when fighting the ticket.
Can I fight this ticket if I had an emergency?
Yes. If you had to stop because of an emergency or car trouble, explain this in your defense. You may need proof, like a tow receipt or repair bill.
Will this ticket affect my insurance?
Possibly. Parking or stopping tickets can sometimes increase insurance rates, especially if you get multiple violations.
What should I do if I get this ticket?
Don’t ignore it. Read the ticket carefully, check the signs where you were stopped, and consider your defense options. You can contest the ticket in court or use a service like ClerkHero to help.