Abandoned Vehicles: Ontario vs Rialto
How do abandoned vehicles rules compare between Ontario, CA and Rialto, CA?
Ontario has fewer restrictions than Rialto.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario removes abandoned vehicles under California Vehicle Code 22523 and OMC Chapter 10, allowing tow after a 72-hour notice on the windshield, with enforcement by Ontario Police Abandoned Vehicle Abatement.
View full Ontario rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto participates in the San Bernardino County Service Authority for Abatement of Abandoned Vehicles (SAAAV) under California Vehicle Code §§22660-22669 and §§22710-22711. Inoperable, dismantled, or wrecked vehicles stored in public view on private property are declared a public nuisance and may be abated. On public streets, vehicles left more than 72 hours are removed under CVC §22651(k).
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | CVC 22523 / OMC 10 | - |
| Notice period | 72 hours | 10 days (CVC §22661) |
| Report | (909) 986-6711 non-emergency | - |
| Lien sale | After 30 days unclaimed | - |
| State authority | - | Cal. Vehicle Code §§22660-22669 |
| Funding mechanism | - | CVC §22710 (county SAAAV $1 fee) |
| Local code | - | Rialto Title 8 (Health/Sanitation) + Title 10 |
| Reporting | - | Rialto Community Compliance Division |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
How do I report an abandoned car on my street?
Call Ontario Police non-emergency or submit a Code Enforcement request; officers verify indicators before tagging.
Can an abandoned car be towed from private property?
Yes, under CVC 22658 the property owner can authorize removal after posted notice and a reasonable storage period.
Rialto FAQ
How do I report an abandoned car in Rialto?
Contact Rialto Community Compliance Division (rialtoca.gov/210/Community-Compliance) with the vehicle's location, license plate, make/model, and description. The city investigates and follows the CVC §22651(k) 72-hour process for streets or CVC §22660 nuisance process for private property.
Can I keep an inoperable project car in my Rialto driveway?
Only if it is completely screened from public view — stored inside an enclosed garage or behind a 6-foot opaque fence. A visible inoperable vehicle (flat tires, dismantled, expired registration over 6 months) is a public nuisance under CVC §22660 and Rialto Title 8.
Compare other topics
See how Ontario and Rialto 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