Bishop, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Private-property limit
- 10 days when inoperative
- Governing chapter
- BMC Chapter 8.16
- State authority
- Vehicle Code § 22660
- Notice before removal
- 10-day certified notice
- Street removal
- Vehicle Code § 22651
Summary
Under BMC Chapter 8.16, keeping an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle on private or public property for more than 10 days is an infraction and a public nuisance the City can abate and remove after a 10-day notice (BMC 8.16.160).
It is unlawful and an infraction for any person to abandon, park, store or leave... any licensed or unlicensed vehicle or parts thereof which is in an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative condition upon any private property or public property, not including highways, within the city for a period in excess of ten days.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Bishop adopts the state's Vehicle Code § 22660 authority to abate junk vehicles as nuisances. BMC 8.16.160 makes it unlawful to leave any licensed or unlicensed vehicle in a wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative condition on private or public property (not highways) for more than 10 days, unless it is fully enclosed in a building or held by a licensed dismantler/dealer. The police department sends a 10-day notice of intent to abate; the owner can request a City Council hearing (BMC 8.16.100–.120). On the street, officers may tow under Vehicle Code § 22651 (BMC 10.28.200).
Violations & Fines
Infraction; the City may remove the vehicle and assess administrative and removal costs as a lien on the property under Government Code § 38773.5 (BMC 8.16.150–.170).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a junk car sit on my property in Bishop?
Will I get notice before the City tows an abandoned car?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bishop
California rules heatmap·Compare Bishop to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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