Abandoned Vehicles: Murrieta vs Riverside
How do abandoned vehicles rules compare between Murrieta, CA and Riverside, CA?
Murrieta has fewer restrictions than Riverside.
Murrieta, CA
Riverside County
Murrieta enforces abandoned vehicle rules under California Vehicle Code 22669 and the municipal code. Vehicles left on public or private property in inoperable condition can be tagged, towed, and disposed of by the city.
View full Murrieta 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 | Murrieta | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| 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.
Murrieta FAQ
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Murrieta?
File a report through the city's Code Enforcement portal or call Murrieta Police non-emergency. Provide the location, make, model, license plate, and how long it has been there.
Can I work on my car in the driveway long-term?
Minor repairs are typically allowed, but a vehicle on jacks, dismantled, or immobile for extended periods can be classified as abandoned or a nuisance.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Murrieta and Riverside compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool