How to Avoid Parking Tickets in San Mateo County
Park at least 20 feet from any crosswalk to dodge daylighting tickets. Obey curb colors and read all signs. Get free residential permits if you live in a permit zone. These rules apply county-wide and keep most drivers ticket-free.
Know Curb Colors First
Curb colors tell you parking rules fast. Ignore them and you risk a ticket.
| Curb Color | Rule | Typical Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Red | No parking anytime | $50-$100 |
| Green | Time-limited: 30 min to 4 hours | $40-$80 |
| Yellow | Loading only, no parking | $60-$120 |
| Blue | Disabled parking only | $250+ |
| White | Passenger loading only | $50-$90 |
Always check signs. They override curb rules. Time-limited spots enforce strictly in busy areas.
Master the Daylighting Law
California's AB 413 bans parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. Enforcement started January 1, 2025. This rule hits both sides of one-way streets before the crosswalk.
20 feet equals one large SUV length or one metered spot. Park farther to stay safe. Fines start at $50 and climb with repeats. San Mateo County Sheriff's Office enforces this strictly.
Quick tip: Step off 20 paces from the crosswalk. If in doubt, find another spot.
Use Residential Parking Permits
Live in a neighborhood near hospitals, schools, or businesses? Get a free Residential Parking Permit (RPPP). It lets you park on your street without time limits.
- Apply online for 2026-2027 permits now. Valid January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027.
- Check the RPPP map first to confirm your area.
- Households get one visitor permit too. Hang tags beat 2-hour limits.
No email? Apply in person at San Mateo City Hall. Permits renew every two years.
Practical Steps to Stay Ticket-Free
Follow this checklist daily:
- Scan for crosswalks 20+ feet away.
- Note curb color and sign times.
- Use free parking apps like ParkMobile to check zones.
- Renew RPPP before it expires.
- Avoid narrow streets or bus stops.
Request changes like new no-parking zones if needed. Fees start at $80 plus paint costs.
How Sidekick Helps
Sidekick tracks your parking habits and local rules for San Mateo County. It alerts you to zones and permits. Owners save $200+ yearly on avoided fines, based on Sidekick data from 1,200+ verified users as of February 2026.
Stick to these rules and park worry-free. Most drivers avoid 95% of tickets this way.