Abandoned Vehicles: Albuquerque vs Tijeras
How do abandoned vehicles rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tijeras, NM?
Albuquerque and Tijeras have similar restriction levels.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Albuquerque Code Section 8-5-2-3 declares a vehicle abandoned if it sits unattended on a public street for 36 hours, on private property without owner consent for 24 hours, or off a private residence's driveway for 36 hours. Inoperable vehicles on private property longer than three days are a public nuisance under Section 8-5-2-9.
View full Albuquerque rules →Tijeras, NM
Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County Code §30 and Albuquerque §8-5-2-6 define abandoned vehicles as those left on public right-of-way for 72+ hours or inoperable vehicles stored visibly on private property. NM Abandoned Vehicle Act NMSA §66-3-1001 et seq. governs title processing for towed vehicles.
View full Tijeras rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Tijeras |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Albuquerque Code Sec. 8-5-2-3 | - |
| Public Street Threshold | 36 hours | - |
| Private Property (no consent) | 24 hours | - |
| Inoperable on Private Property | 3 days (Sec. 8-5-2-9) | - |
| Tag-to-Tow Window | 7 days | - |
| Street Limit | - | 72 hours |
| Private Property | - | Must be enclosed/screened 6 ft |
| State Statute | - | NMSA §66-3-1001 |
| Tag | - | 72-hour notice before tow |
| Tow Cost | - | $150-$300 + storage |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
How long can a vehicle sit on an Albuquerque street before it's considered abandoned?
Under Section 8-5-2-3, a vehicle without current plates and tags is abandoned immediately, and any vehicle left unattended in the same spot on a public way for 36 hours without a valid police sticker is also deemed abandoned. Report it through 311 or the Report Abandoned Vehicles portal at cabq.gov/report-abandoned-vehicles.
Can my neighbor keep an inoperable car in their yard?
Not for more than three consecutive days. Section 8-5-2-9 declares any inoperable vehicle parked, stored, or left on private property within Albuquerque longer than three days a public nuisance. After a yellow notification tag is affixed, the owner has seven days to remove the vehicle or it can be impounded under Section 8-5-2-4.
Tijeras FAQ
Can I keep a project car on my driveway in Bernalillo County?
Only if it is currently registered and operable. Inoperable or unregistered vehicles must be stored inside a garage or behind a solid fence that fully screens them from the street.
How long before a towed vehicle is sold in New Mexico?
Under NMSA §66-3-1004, towers must send certified notice to the last registered owner and hold the vehicle at least 30 days before conducting a public lien sale.
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