Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code Ch. 12.07 Advertising on Parked Vehicles

The purpose of this Chapter regulating the use of parked vehicles for the primary purpose of advertising is to promote traffic safety, to maximize the availability of highway parking for use by the general public, and to promote the aesthetic appearance of highways and adjacent properties.

(Ord. No. 19-03, § 5, 4-24-2019)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Advertising signs shall include, but not be limited to, any kind of display, printing, writing, or banner for the primary purpose of advertising the sale, purchase, or promotion of a product, business, or service.

(Ord. No. 19-03, § 5, 4-24-2019)

No person shall park any vehicle on a public or private street, parking lot, or any public property or off-street parking facility with any advertising sign painted on, affixed to, or resting on the vehicle.

(Ord. No. 19-03, § 5, 4-24-2019)

The following are exempted from the provisions of this Chapter:

(1) Vehicles displaying signs, decals, or other inscriptions mandated or expressly authorized by statute or other City ordinances, but only to the extent such signs, decals, or other inscriptions are expressly authorized or mandated.

(2) Signs permanently affixed to commercial vehicles while engaged in the ordinary business for which they are registered or maintained; provided, however, that a commercial vehicle parked in the same space for more than four hours shall be presumed not engaged in its ordinary business.

(3) Taxicabs while engaged in the ordinary course of business.

(4) Vehicles owned by public agencies.

(5) Vehicles operated by entities subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission.

(6) Vehicles parked within 300 feet of the residence of the registered owner of the vehicle.

(Ord. No. 19-03, § 5, 4-24-2019)

(a) Any person violating this Chapter shall be guilty of an infraction.

(b) Any person violating this Chapter more than one time in a 12-month period shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for the second and subsequent violations.

(Ord. No. 19-03, § 5, 4-24-2019)