LOS ANGELES — Mayor Eric Garcetti today relaxed parking enforcement across the City as part of the emergency response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), putting a temporary halt to the issuance of several citations so that Angelenos can more effectively practice the safe social distancing necessary during the outbreak.

“We’re in this together, and I don’t want anyone worried about extra financial burdens at a moment when Angelenos have their minds on the health and wellbeing of family and friends,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Lifting these restrictions makes sense when more people are staying home, need additional time to run errands, and want to practice safe social distancing without being concerned about a ticket.”

The order takes effect at midnight and includes the following:

Relaxed enforcement of street sweeping restrictions in residential areas

Relaxed enforcement around closed schools

Moratorium on ticketing and towing for abandoned vehicles and oversize vehicle overnight parking fines

Freeze on parking fine increases for the next 60 days

Extended grace period for people dropping off or picking up groceries and goods

Immediate extension on all deadlines for payment due until June 1

The relaxed enforcement will be in place until March 31, and is subject to extension. Enforcement will be maintained on operations that prioritize health, safety, and emergency access — including colored curbs, street sweeping around encampments, peak-hour restrictions, and repaving and slurry operations. It will also continue at metered spaces to encourage parking turnover for businesses and restaurants relying on takeout and deliveries.

“Our priorities are to support the needs of all Angelenos, protect the health of our communities, and provide the key services everyone depends on,” said LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds. “We will relax parking enforcement in key areas, freeze parking fine increases, and extend payment deadlines to bring Angelenos a little peace of mind and some much-needed financial relief.”

Mayor Garcetti’s announcement follows temporary restrictions placed on bars and nightclubs that do not serve food, movie theaters and entertainment venues, bowling alleys and arcades, and gyms and fitness centers. Last week, the Mayor issued a declaration of local emergency and strengthened the local response to COVID-19 by putting limits on public gatherings in City facilities.