CVC 22500 California Parking Ticket: What It Means & How to Fight It
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 22500
Written by
Violation category
General Traffic
Base fine
$35
Estimated total cost
Includes court fees and assessments
DMV points
1 point
What is California Vehicle Code CVC 22500?
Violation of California Vehicle Code Section 22500
Common scenarios
- You parked near a fire hydrant but didn’t see the sign because it was blocked by a tree branch.
- You stopped momentarily in a no-stopping zone to help a passenger with a disability get out safely.
- Your car had a mechanical problem and you had to stop on the side of the road where parking is usually not allowed.
Key facts
- Stopping vs. Parking: Stopping means your car is not moving, even for a short time. Parking means leaving your car unattended. Both can be illegal in certain spots under CVC 22500.
- Why Fire Hydrants Matter: You can’t park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Emergency crews need quick access, so parking there is a big no-no.
- Ticket Consequences: Fines for CVC 22500 can be costly, and repeated violations might affect your driving record. It’s worth checking if you have a strong defense.
Fine breakdown for CVC 22500
| 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?
If you got a ticket for CVC 22500, it means the officer says you stopped or parked your car where you shouldn’t have. California Vehicle Code 22500 lists places where parking or stopping is not allowed because it can block traffic, cause danger, or break the rules.
Where can’t you stop or park?
- In front of a driveway
- In a bus stop zone
- Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
- In a crosswalk or sidewalk
- In a no-parking or no-stopping zone
- On a bridge or tunnel
Why does this matter?
Stopping or parking in these places can cause accidents or block emergency vehicles. That’s why the law is strict.
What to do if you got this ticket?
Don’t panic! Many people get these tickets by mistake or because signs weren’t clear. You can fight the ticket if you have a good reason.
Keep reading to learn common defenses, examples, and answers to your questions.
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
There were no clear signs or markings showing parking was prohibited.
Defense 2
I stopped only briefly to obey a police officer or emergency situation.
Defense 3
I was unloading or loading passengers or goods and did not park.
Defense 4
The vehicle broke down and I had no choice but to stop there.
Defense 5
The fire hydrant or driveway was not visible or obstructed by something else.
We can help fight your ticket CVC 22500 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
Can I stop briefly to drop off a passenger in a no-parking zone?
Usually, no. No-parking zones often mean you can’t stop even briefly. But some no-stopping zones allow quick drop-offs. Check the signs carefully.
What if my car broke down in a no-parking area?
If your car broke down, this can be a valid defense. Make sure you have proof like a tow receipt or mechanic’s note.
How can I fight this ticket if I didn’t see any signs?
You can argue the signs were missing, unclear, or blocked. Taking photos of the area can help your case.