SF Sets Hearing on Transit Lane Enforcement Changes
SFMTA board to vote on transit lane fine transfer to state law, parking fee changes
SFMTA Sets Hearing on Transit Lane Fines, Parking Fees
San Francisco transit riders and drivers will see changes to parking enforcement and transit lane violations under proposals the SFMTA Board of Directors will consider at a public hearing Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM. The hearing addresses two pieces of legislation affecting transportation regulations citywide, transit officials said. The proposals include transferring the $108 transit lane parking fine to state law and implementing new parking citation fee structures.
Code Changes Aim to Streamline Enforcement
The first proposal amends Transportation Code Division II to consolidate sections covering vehicle weight restrictions, commercial passenger vehicle rules, transit-only lanes, and speed limits, according to the agency. Officials said the changes are designed to save staff time and resources while making conforming updates to existing regulations. The amendment will transfer enforcement of the $108 fine for stopping, standing, or parking in transit-only lanes from local Transportation Code Section 7.2.39 to California Vehicle Code Section 22500(m). Transit agencies across California have increasingly moved parking violations to state code to standardize enforcement and simplify legal processes.
Parking Citation Fees See Mixed Changes
The second proposal includes a two-year pause on indexing fines for Transportation Code and California Vehicle Code violations, officials confirmed. However, the agency will increase annual indexing of late payment and special collection fees for civil violations during the same period. Special Event Parking Meter rates will rise to a minimum of $1 and maximum of $21 per hour, though officials didn't specify which events or locations will see the highest rates. The legislation combines construction and non-construction temporary parking use permits into a single permit type, with daily fees set at $21 for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and $23 for Fiscal Year 2027-2028.
One-Time Citation Waiver for Vulnerable Residents
A significant component authorizes a one-time waiver of all parking citations for individuals experiencing homelessness or participating in the Large Vehicle Buy Back program, transit officials said. The waiver program aims to provide relief to vulnerable populations facing financial hardship from accumulated parking fines. Officials haven't specified how many people might qualify for the waiver or what documentation will be required to participate. The Large Vehicle Buy Back program helps residents transition from living in oversized vehicles parked on city streets.
Public Input Scheduled Before Final Vote
The Board of Directors will hear public comment on both proposals during the April 21 hearing before taking action, according to the agency. Officials didn't say when the changes would take effect if approved or how much revenue the fee adjustments might generate. Riders can track how transit lane enforcement and parking changes affect their routes through real-time updates. Moovit provides current information on San Francisco transit services and route conditions throughout the city.
