Overnight parking in Los Angeles

With over 7,000 people living in cars in Los Angeles, knowing RV parking laws in LA (including vans, campers, etc.) might just come in handy. As rent rises, people without homes find sleeping and living in cars to be a temporary solution; with cars, and especially RVs, you can retain enough of your belongings to live a comfortable life. Some may not have a choice in living out of their cars, while others may be looking to save money or live close to their job without paying skyrocketing rent prices. On the other side of the argument, many of these RVs/vans/etc park in quiet residential neighborhoods, and use their secondary batteries to power potentially-obnoxious lights, music, or other accessories. It’s important to respect all your neighbors – both stationary and mobile. 

Overnight Parking Laws

Parking laws in LA have changed in the last five years, and long-term parking at night may not be as easy as it once was. The city council has managed to tackle vehicle dwelling in residential areas with schools nearby by enforcing strict daytime and nighttime rules.

From 6am to 9pm, RVs/campers must park more than a block (500 feet) away from licensed schools, preschools, daycare facilities, or parks. That is, you can park on a residential street during these hours if the area is clear of schools and parks. In terms of nighttime hours, you can park in non residential areas which are again, more than a block (500 feet) away from licensed schools, daycare facilities, preschools or parks.