White Curb Parking Zones in San Diego Explained

Is parking in white all right? Can you park at a white painted curb in the city of San Diego?

White zones are designated areas where passengers can easily and safely be picked up or dropped off. They’re designed to prevent congestion caused by double parking from those who are transporting passengers. These zones are specifically for quickly loading and unloading passengers. Here are the rules and which zones you can and can’t park so you don’t get a parking ticket:

White Curb

White curbs are passenger loading zones, meaning .you may stop for three minutes at a curb lined in white paint (ten minutes if in front of a hotel.) They are for quick loading and unloading access only. Drivers are required to stay with their vehicles, except at places like preschools and hospitals. If a vehicle remains parked in a white zone for more than the designated minutes allowed, it can be fined and towed.

You cannot park at white curbs at night or on Sundays or holidays. No parking at white spaces ever.

You’ll commonly find white zones near the entrance of places like businesses or destinations where people frequently need to be picked up or dropped off. These spots are often found near hospitals, senior centers, medical offices, restaurants, theaters, churches, schools, government buildings, hotels, and event centers.

San Diego Painted Curb Colors Quick Guide

What are the rules for…

• Parking near White curb – Loading/unloading only
• Parking near Yellow curb – It’s complicated
• Parking near Red curb – No
• Parking near Green curb – Sometimes
• Parking near Blue curb – Almost never

​Read more in our guide to parking downtown near Petco Park. Here are some suggestions of the top things to do in San Diego.