Abandoned Vehicles: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do abandoned vehicles rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
San Mateo has fewer restrictions than Redwood City.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Under County Ordinance Code Chapter 7.60, it is unlawful and an infraction to abandon, park, store, or leave any abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle on public or private property for more than ten days unless fully enclosed in a building. The County adopts this abatement authority under California Vehicle Code Section 22660, and Section 7.60.140 makes violation an infraction.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo enforces the 72-hour vehicle storage limit on public streets under California Vehicle Code 22651. Inoperable vehicles on private property visible for more than 10 days are prohibited. The San Mateo Police Department handles abandoned vehicle reports.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Time limit | More than 10 days (Ord. 7.60.140) | - |
| Applies to | Public and private property, licensed or unlicensed | - |
| Penalty | Infraction (Sec. 7.60.140) | - |
| Enclosed exception | Fully inside a building, not visible | - |
| State authority | CA Vehicle Code 22660 (county abatement) | - |
| Street Limit | - | 72 hours without movement |
| Private Property | - | 10 days if inoperable/visible |
| State Law | - | CA Vehicle Code §22651 |
| Report | - | SMPD — 650-522-7700 |
| Towing | - | Owner responsible for costs |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
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.
San Mateo FAQ
How long can a car sit on the street in San Mateo?
No more than 72 hours without significant movement. Vehicles are marked and may be towed after the 72-hour period.
How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
Contact the San Mateo Police Department at 650-522-7700 to report an abandoned vehicle on a public street.
What about junk cars on private property?
Inoperable, wrecked, or dismantled vehicles visible from public view for more than 10 days may be cited under the city's property maintenance provisions.
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