I didn’t set out to start a website or organize anything.
Like many people in San Francisco, I own a legally registered adventure camper van. I try to follow the rules, pay the fees that are required, and stay informed.
I’ve owned this van for over 10 years. It’s more than just a vehicle. It’s an extension of my life, of my home. I’ve taken this van all over California with my wife and dogs, creating memories and exploring our world. It’s an amazing part of my life, and of my mental health.
When the oversized vehicle parking restriction began to be enforced more broadly, I started hearing from people who had – apparently randomly – been towed. Sometimes towed despite having valid permits or no intention or indication of long-term habitation.
Towing isn’t JUST an expense, or an inconvenience. It can be dangerous to tow these vans as, while they aren’t ‘huge’, they are large enough to require specialized towing equipment and experience. It’s typical to hear stories of vans being significantly damaged from improper towing. I fear for the safety of my RV.
What stood out to me wasn’t just enforcement itself, but how difficult it was to understand what the law actually required, how it interacted with existing permits, and what options people had once they were cited or towed.
Reasonable people, acting in good faith, were getting very different outcomes.
Right to Park SF began as a way to slow things down, make space for clarity and help inform our lawmakers of our need for change. The goal isn’t to avoid parking rules or undermine public safety.
It’s to understand how the current law is working in practice, to document real experiences, and to advocate for corrections where the law or its application has drifted beyond its intended purpose.
This site is intentionally simple. It’s a place to share information, collect firsthand accounts, and support constructive civic discussion. If you’ve been affected — or if you simply want clearer rules that distinguish between unsafe conditions and lawful vehicle use — you’re welcome here.
Change doesn’t start with shouting. It usually starts with people comparing notes and realizing they’re not alone.
If you have a van, even if you have NOT yet been affected by the new law, I encourage you to stay in touch with us. Share your thoughts, or even your experiences with this new law.
Japji

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