Oversized Vehicle & Trailer Ordinance

The Watsonville City Council recently approved a new ordinance (4-5.1306) impacting the parking of oversized vehicles and trailers. This new ordinance, which takes effect on March 13, 2026, is meant to improve safety, visibility, and access to public streets and parking areas.  

Most oversized vehicles and all types of trailers will be prohibited from parking on city streets, alleys, city-owned or maintained parking lots, and other public property. 

A vehicle is considered to be “oversized” if it meets any of the following criteria: 

• Exceeds 8 feet in height
• Exceeds 7½ feet in width
• Exceeds 22 feet in length
• Has a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more 

This may include certain types of trucks, vans, recreational vehicles, and other large vehicles.  

Illustration showing three large vehicles separated by vertical lines.

• OVER 8 FT TALL 

• OVER 7.5 FT WIDE 

• OVER 22 FT LONG

The ordinance also prohibits all types of trailers, including utility and camping trailers, regardless of size, from parking on city streets, alleys, city-owned or maintained parking lots, and other public property.

All trailers, regardless of size, are prohibited.

Travel trailer and flatbed trailer shown with red X symbols indicating not allowed.

Oversized vehicles and trailers can obstruct access to rights-of-way, reduce sight distance, and reduce visibility at intersections and crosswalks. These obstructions, in turn, can create hazardous traffic conditions and risk of collisions, endangering motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and other members of the public. The new ordinance helps address those concerns while still allowing important exemptions for everyday services and special circumstances. 

EXEMPTIONS APPLY TO:  active deliveries and mass transit, service or repair work that is being performed within that city block, vehicle breakdowns (for up to 8 hours), emergency vehicles and those belonging to public utility companies, passengers and wheelchair-accessible vans, special events, recreational vehicles and camping trailers with paid reservations parked at Pinto Lake City Park, tow trucks parked in select Industrial Zones. 


Police Start Logo in Gold color

Warning notices will be issued soon by the Watsonville Police Department.  

Once the ordinance takes effect on March 13, 2026, oversized vehicles and trailers that are found parked in violation of the new ordinance will be subject to parking citations, a 24-hour Intent to Tow Notice, and possible towing after 24-hours have passed, if the oversized vehicle or trailer has not been moved off of city streets or public property.  

To review the ordinance and view the full list of exemptions, visit: Oversized Vehicle Ordinance