Unincorporated San Mateo County enforces CVC §22651(k) for vehicles on public streets (72 hours) and Ordinance Code Chapter 4.48 for inoperable vehicles on private property (must be enclosed or screened from view within 72 hours of notice).
San Mateo County addresses abandoned vehicles through two tracks. Public streets: California Vehicle Code §22651(k) allows the Sheriff's Office or County Parking Enforcement to tow vehicles parked in the same location over 72 hours after a warning mark. Private property: Ordinance Code Chapter 4.48 declares inoperable, wrecked, dismantled, or unregistered vehicles visible from a public way to be a public nuisance. Definition includes vehicles with flat tires, missing parts, expired registration over 6 months, or non-running condition. Property owners receive written notice with 10 days to cure (remove, repair, register, or fully screen behind a 6-foot opaque fence or in a garage). Hearing before a hearing officer available upon request. Vehicles abated by the County are towed to a contracted lien sale facility with costs charged to the property owner via tax lien. Classic cars under restoration may qualify for a permit extension.
Street 72-hour tow: $65 citation plus $300+ tow. Private property: 10-day notice, then abatement at owner cost ($200-$1,000+). Daily fines $100-$500 until compliance. Lien on property for unpaid abatement costs per SMC §1.20.
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See how San Mateo County's abandoned vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
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