Abandoned Vehicles: Daly City vs Redwood City

How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Daly City?

Call the Daly City Police Department non-emergency line. An officer or parking enforcement employee will inspect, tag the vehicle, and tow it if it meets the abandonment criteria under California Vehicle Code §22669 or §22651(k).

What makes a vehicle 'abandoned'?

California Vehicle Code §22523 covers abandonment; CVC §22669 lets officers remove a vehicle when there are reasonable grounds to believe it has been abandoned. Vehicles missing engines, wheels, or transmissions are usually deemed clearly abandoned and can be removed immediately.

Can the city tow a derelict car from my private property?

Yes - CVC §22669 authorizes removal of abandoned vehicles from public OR private property by peace officers and designated city employees, and Daly City Code Enforcement may also pursue the property owner for nuisance abatement.

How long can an inoperable car sit on a property in unincorporated San Mateo County?

No more than ten days. Ordinance Code Section 7.60.140 makes it an infraction to leave an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle on public or private property for more than ten days unless it is completely enclosed within a building or kept as part of a licensed dismantler, dealer, or junkyard business.

Who do I contact about an abandoned vehicle?

In the unincorporated area, the County Code Compliance Section enforces the abandoned-vehicle nuisance rules in Chapter 7.60, and the Sheriff's Office handles abandoned vehicles on streets. The County's abatement authority comes from California Vehicle Code Section 22660.