Los Angeles vs New York
How do abandoned vehicles rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY?
Los Angeles and New York have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
LAMC 80.73.2 prohibits parking any vehicle on a public street for 72 or more consecutive hours. LAMC 80.73.1 separately prohibits using streets for vehicle storage by dealers, repair shops, and wrecking businesses. Abandoned automobiles are defined in LAMC 12.03 as vehicles with registration expired 6+ months.
View full Los Angeles rules →New York, NY
New York County
NYC Admin Code §19-169 defines abandoned vehicles as those left on a public street for more than 7 consecutive days without moving, or appearing to be junked. The NYPD and Department of Sanitation handle removal. Complaints are filed through 311.
View full New York rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Time Limit | 72 consecutive hours on public streets | - |
| Code Section | LAMC 80.73.1, 80.73.2 | - |
| Definition | Registration expired 6+ months (LAMC 12.03) | Unmoved 7+ days on public street |
| Hotline | 1-800-ABANDON (1-800-222-6366) | - |
| Towing | $200+ plus daily storage fees | - |
| Removal Notice | - | 72 hours after tagging |
| Tow Fee | - | ~$185 + $20/day storage |
| Unclaimed Vehicles | - | Auctioned after 10 days |
| Code | - | Admin Code §19-169 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in LA?
Call 1-800-ABANDON (1-800-222-6366) Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM, or file an online report through the LA Parking Violations Bureau. You can also use the MyLA311 app to report stored or abandoned vehicles.
How long can a car sit on an LA street before being towed?
Under LAMC 80.73.2, any vehicle parked on a public street for 72 or more consecutive hours may be cited and towed. A warning notice is typically posted first. Inoperable vehicles may be towed immediately under California Vehicle Code 22669.
New York FAQ
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in NYC?
Call 311 or use the NYC 311 app. Provide the vehicle's location, make, model, color, and license plate if visible. The NYPD or Department of Sanitation will investigate and tag the vehicle for removal if it qualifies as abandoned.
How long can a car sit on a NYC street without moving?
A vehicle left on a public street for more than 7 consecutive days without being moved may be classified as abandoned under Admin Code §19-169 and tagged for removal with a 72-hour notice.
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