What does a blue curb mean

California has a rainbow of colored curbs, each with their own rules, and we are happy to provide a primer, or reminder, for folks.

Here’s what the California Driver Handbook says:

Red: No stopping, standing, or parking. Red zones are usually for emergency vehicles only, as well as fire hydrants. You cannot park in front or, or block, a fire hydrant. Buses may stop at a red curb if it’s marked OK for buses to stop there.

Blue: Blue curbs are where parking is allowed only for a disabled person with a disabled placard or plates, or someone who is driving a disabled person. If it’s a public city street, the disabled driver can park there for an unlimited amount of time. The area next to a disabled parking space that is painted with blue diagonal stripes also is not to be occupied by any vehicle. That space is set aside for van ramps for the disabled.

Green: Anyone can park at a green curb for a limited time. There is usually a sign posted there stating the time allowed. Or it might be painted on the green curb.

White: Drivers can stop at a white curb long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail, but you can’t park there long-term.

Yellow: Motorists can stop at a yellow curb for the length of the time posted only to load or unload passengers or freight. Drivers of non-commercial vehicles are expected to stay with their vehicle at a yellow curb.

To further clarify, here are some other places you can’t park: in a marked or unmarked crosswalk; in front of a driveway; on the wrong side of the street; and in any parking spot that is set aside for zero-emission, clean air or electric vehicles. These parking spaces are set aside specifically so drivers of those vehicles can charge their vehicles while parked.

Disabled drivers cannot park in clean-air spots (On the Road has been asked a few times about this and the answer is always no).