Abandoned Vehicles: Riverside vs Temecula

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).

Temecula enforces abandoned-vehicle removal under California Vehicle Code §§22669-22671 and §22651(k), which authorize towing of vehicles left on public streets for more than 72 hours or that are inoperable, wrecked, or dismantled. Inoperable vehicles stored in front yards or on public view are also prohibited under the Municipal Code. Residents can report abandoned vehicles to the Temecula Police Department.