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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 11Ch. 9§ 22515 Unattended Vehicle Brake Rules

§ 22515 Unattended Vehicle Brake Rules

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 22515 Unattended Vehicle Brake Rules

This law says you can't leave your car or any vehicle parked on the road without making sure it won't move. For cars, you must turn off the engine and set the brakes. For other vehicles, you must set the brakes or block the wheels.

Key Takeaways

  • •Always turn off your car and set the brakes before leaving it on the road.
  • •If you have a bike, trailer, or any other vehicle, set the brakes or block the wheels so it won’t move.
  • •This law is to stop accidents from vehicles rolling away.

Example

You park your car on a hill and go into a store without turning off the engine or setting the brakes.

If your car rolls down the hill and hits something, you broke this law because you didn't stop the engine or set the brakes.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 22515 Unattended Vehicle Brake Rules

(a) No person driving, or in control of, or in charge of, a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand on any highway unattended without first effectively setting the brakes thereon and stopping the motor thereof. (b) No person in control of, or in charge of, any vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, shall permit it to stand on any highway without first effectively setting the brakes thereon, or blocking the wheels thereof, to effectively prevent the movement of the vehicle. (Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 362, Sec. 3.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

motor vehiclehighwayunattendedbrakesblocking the wheels

Related Statutes

  • § 22509 Parking On Steep Grades
  • § 22502 Parking Near Curbs Bikeways
  • § 22504 Highway Parking Restrictions
  • § 22512 Utility Vehicle Parking Exemptions
  • § 22520.5 Freeway Vending Restrictions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 22515.
View Official Source