News Summary
The San Diego Police Department has intensified enforcement of an overnight RV parking ban in response to rising complaints from residents. Between July 2 and 25, hundreds of citations were issued for oversized vehicle violations, particularly in beach areas like Mission Bay and Robb Field. While the PD’s efforts aim to assist individuals living in vehicles by offering relocations to city-sponsored lots, concerns have been raised regarding the limited options and impact on personal freedom. Community members express urgency for solutions to address health and safety issues in these locations.
San Diego – The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is intensifying enforcement of an overnight RV parking ban in response to increasing complaints from residents about people living in vehicles in beach areas, particularly at Mission Bay and Robb Field. As part of this crackdown, the SDPD has issued hundreds of citations for oversized vehicle violations recently, alarming community members concerned about living conditions in the area.
From July 2 to July 25, 2025, SDPD issued a total of 189 oversized vehicle citations and 519 parking tickets. An ordinance prohibits RVs and non-motorized trailers longer than 20 feet or higher than 7 feet from parking in designated areas of San Diego from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. This regulation can be enforced if oversized vehicles are parked within 50 feet of any intersection.
In an effort to assist individuals living in vehicles, the SDPD offers relocations to city-sponsored parking lots, such as H Barracks, that provide bathrooms and mental health services. As of late July, SDPD reported that nearly 1,485 citations had been issued since the enforcement began, with 96 RVs successfully moved to safe parking lots. The police department aims to assist homeless RV owners in accessing social services as part of its long-term strategy.
Prior to the commencement of the crackdown, outreach efforts were actively undertaken by the SDPD about a month earlier. Individuals living in large vehicles received warnings regarding the impending enforcement. Residents who ignore vehicle citations may face referral to collections, a situation that could affect their vehicle registration.
Despite the well-intentioned initiatives, some individuals, such as Laura Gillespie, have expressed concerns about the limited options provided for relocation, arguing it imposes restrictions on their freedom. The police have indicated a preference for a less aggressive approach to enforcement, emphasizing gradual compliance rather than mass towing to prevent overcrowding in residential neighborhoods.
The initiatives follow a previous lawsuit that halted enforcement against overnight vehicle habitation until adequate safe parking options were made available. The establishment of H Barracks subsequently led to an increase in RVs at Mission Bay, prompting the current enforcement measures.
Community members, such as Sarah Bonesteel, have expressed a desire for more rapid progress concerning the RV situation on Mission Bay Drive, as reports of littering and unsanitary conditions associated with RV occupants have contributed to growing concerns among residents. While some individuals intentionally prefer living in their vehicles and reject the accommodations offered at safe parking lots, proactive outreach efforts continue to be conducted by the Neighborhood Policing Division, guiding people toward available resources.
Residents can directly report any violations they encounter through the City of San Diego’s “Get It Done” app, enabling further enforcement action by authorities. The SDPD remains committed to balancing community safety and the needs of individuals residing in RVs, focusing on relocation assistance and access to social resources as part of their ongoing strategy to address the situation effectively.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego: San Diego Police Cracking Down on RV Parking
- Wikipedia: RV Parking Laws
- San Diego Union-Tribune: San Diego Starts Cracking Down on RVs
- Google Search: RV parking laws San Diego
- CBS 8: San Diego Police Continue Crackdown on Overnight RV Parking
- Google Scholar: RV crackdown San Diego
- 10 News: SDPD is Cracking Down on Overnight RV Parking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: RV Parking
- NBC San Diego: Crackdown on RV Parking at Beaches
- Google News: San Diego RV parking
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
