Monterey County Bans Parking at Bixby Bridge to Curb Traffic

The County of Monterey is installing no parking signs near the Bixby Bridge in Big Sur this week to implement a 12-month parking moratorium. Approved by the Board of Supervisors on May 19, the ordinance becomes enforceable immediately upon the placement of the signage. The timing coincides with the start of Car Week activities, specifically Classic Car Week from August 10-16.

Officials implemented the ban to address public safety concerns, including cars parking over fog lines, pedestrians crossing the road on foot, and delays for emergency vehicles. The move follows a massive surge in tourism driven by social media and the series "Big Little Lies." The county reported a 900% increase in northbound traffic at Ragged Point between 2025 and 2026, while Caltrans noted that overall tourism grew by approximately 40% and peak weekend tourism doubled over the same period.

County Supervisor Kate Daniels, who spearheaded the effort, stated that the moratorium aims to reframe the bridge as a trip across an iconic structure rather than a destination. State Senator John Laird estimated that enforcement over the next year will cost between $300,000 and $400,000, noting the necessity of California Highway Patrol officers to direct traffic and issue citations. The 12-month period will allow officials to study long-term parking solutions as part of the Big Sur Coast Highway Management Plan.