El Dorado County, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

El Dorado County participates in the multi-jurisdictional Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Service Authority created under California Vehicle Code Section 22710, which funds removal programs through a $1 vehicle-registration surcharge. The Sheriff's Office investigates reports of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles on public roads, on private property visible from a public way, and on certain public property. Reports may be filed through the Sheriff's vehicle abatement online form. After investigation, the vehicle is tagged; if not removed by the owner, a contracted tow company removes and disposes of it under the program. Peace officers and parking-enforcement employees also have removal authority under California Vehicle Code Section 22651, including Section 22651(b) for vehicles obstructing the normal movement of traffic and Section 22651(k) for vehicles left on a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours in violation of a local ordinance authorizing removal. In addition, on County roads in the Lake Tahoe Basin and at elevations above 3,000 feet, Sections 10.12.180 and 10.12.184 authorize removal during declared snow removal conditions.