Abandoned Vehicles: Menifee vs Riverside
How do abandoned vehicles rules compare between Menifee, CA and Riverside, CA?
Menifee and Riverside have similar restriction levels.
Menifee, CA
Riverside County
Menifee prohibits storing abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles on public or private property beyond 72 hours unless the vehicle is fully enclosed and not visible from the street. Violations are infractions enforceable by code enforcement.
View full Menifee rules →Riverside, CA
Riverside County
City of Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 9.28 (Abandoned, Wrecked and Inoperative Vehicles) makes it unlawful to keep an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle — or parts — on public or private property visible from a public right-of-way. Vehicles parked on the street over 72 hours are also subject to removal under Cal. Veh. Code §22651(k).
View full Riverside rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Menifee | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Storage limit | 72 hours unless fully enclosed indoors | - |
| Code section | MMC § 12.01.150 | - |
| Applies to | Public AND private property | - |
| State framework | Cal. Veh. Code §§ 22660, 22669 | - |
| Penalty | Infraction + abatement lien | - |
| Code chapter | - | RMC Ch. 9.28 (city) + Cal. Veh. Code §22651(k), §22669 |
| Days before street vehicle deemed stored | - | 72 hours |
| Notice required (private property) | - | Yes — written notice + hearing right |
| Cost recovery | - | Lien on property for abatement costs |
| Reporting | - | City 311 / Parking Services (951) 826-5620 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Menifee FAQ
Can I store a non-running project car in my driveway?
Only if it's fully enclosed in a building (garage) and not visible from the street or neighboring property. Otherwise it must be removed within 72 hours per MMC § 12.01.150.
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Menifee?
Contact Menifee Police Department Code Enforcement at (951) 246-6214 or file online at cityofmenifee.us. Enforcement proceeds under MMC § 12.01.150 and Cal. Veh. Code § 22660.
Riverside FAQ
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Riverside?
For vehicles on public streets, call Parking Services (951) 826-5620 or 311. For vehicles on private property, contact Code Enforcement; complaints can be filed online via the CEDD portal.
Can the city tow a junked car from my yard?
Yes. Under RMC Ch. 9.28, after notice and a hearing opportunity, the city may abate and remove inoperative vehicles visible from the right-of-way and assess costs against the property.
Is there a free option to remove a junk car?
Yes — Riverside County's Junk Your Clunker program removes qualifying inoperative vehicles from private property at no cost.
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