Abandoned Vehicles: San Jose vs Santa Clara
How do abandoned vehicles rules compare between San Jose, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
San Jose and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose enforces a 72-hour street parking limit under San Jose Municipal Code 11.36 and tows under California Vehicle Code 22651(k). The Department of Transportation Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program responds to 311 reports, marks tires, and tows unmoved vehicles. Inoperable vehicles on private property are regulated separately under SJMC 6.66 as a public nuisance with a 10-day notice period.
View full San Jose rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara tows abandoned vehicles after 72 hours under CVC 22651(k) and participates in the Santa Clara County Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program for private property.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Street Tow | - | 72-hour marking under CVC 22651(k) |
| Private Property | - | County AVA program with 10-day notice |
| Definition | - | Inoperable, wrecked, or unregistered over 30 days |
| Screening Exempt | - | Hidden from public view generally allowed |
| Contact | - | Police Non-Emergency (408) 615-4700 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in San Jose?
Use the My San Jose app or call 311. DOT Abandoned Vehicle Abatement marks tires and returns after 72 hours to verify the vehicle has not moved.
Can the city tow my car from my own driveway?
Not directly. Inoperable vehicles on private property are handled under SJMC 6.66 — Code Enforcement gives at least 10 days to repair, enclose, or remove before nuisance abatement.
How do I retrieve a towed vehicle?
Call DOT at (408) 535-3850 to locate the tow yard, bring photo ID and current registration, and pay all tow and storage fees before release.
Santa Clara FAQ
How do I report an abandoned car on my street?
Call the Santa Clara Police non-emergency line at (408) 615-4700 or submit through the city reporting app.
Can the city tow a car from my driveway?
Only if it is inoperable and visible from the street and you did not remove it after a 10-day AVA notice.
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