Bellflower, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Bellflower relies primarily on the California Vehicle Code for abandoned-vehicle enforcement, supplemented by its own municipal-code removal authority. Under BMC Chapter 10.12, a vehicle parked in violation may be removed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department or the Director of Public Safety and their designees after it remains parked in violation for 72 hours, or for a shorter period indicated by posted signs. This mirrors California Vehicle Code 22651(k), which authorizes removal of a vehicle left standing on a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours, and 22669, which governs removal of vehicles believed abandoned from public or private property. Outright vehicle abandonment is prohibited statewide by CVC 22523, and the City's fine schedule lists 'Abandonment prohibited' (CVC 22523(a)(b)) at a $112 fine. The City also enforces removal of unregistered vehicles, with its stated parking goals including 'eliminating improperly registered vehicles from City streets'; an unregistered vehicle is cited under CVC 4000(a) at $72. Because Bellflower contracts policing to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, abandoned or long-parked vehicle complaints are handled through the Sheriff's station and the City's Public Safety Parking Division. Residents who suspect an abandoned vehicle should report it to the City; enforcement follows the 72-hour standard before towing unless posted signs impose a shorter limit.