San Joaquin County, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Street Limit
- 72 hours (CVC §22651(k))
- Private Prop
- Screened or enclosed
- Authority
- SJ AVA Service Authority
- Funding
- $1 DMV surcharge
- Tow Cost
- $250–$500 + storage
Summary
Vehicles left on public streets in San Joaquin County for more than 72 consecutive hours may be tagged and towed under CA Vehicle Code §22651(k). On private property, vehicles must be operable, currently registered, and stored on an approved surface or behind a 6-foot solid fence per Development Title §9-1025. The county participates in the California Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) service authority, funded by a $1 DMV registration surcharge.
A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a regularly employed and salaried employee who is engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations of a city, county, or jurisdiction of a state agency in which a vehicle is located may remove a vehicle located within the territorial limits in which the officer or employee may act, under the following circumstances:
(a) If a vehicle is left unattended upon a bridge, viaduct, or causeway or in a tube or tunnel where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic.
(b) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway in a position so as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic or in a condition so as to create a hazard to other traffic upon the highway.
(c) If a vehicle is found upon a highway or public land and a report has previously been made that the vehicle is stolen or a complaint has been filed and a warrant thereon is issued charging that the vehicle was embezzled.
Full Breakdown
California Vehicle Code §22651(k) gives peace officers and parking enforcement authority to tow any vehicle that has not moved from a public street for 72 consecutive hours upon a citizen complaint. San Joaquin County participates in the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Service Authority (AVA), funded by a $1 per-vehicle annual DMV registration fee, which coordinates abatement across the unincorporated county plus Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Tracy, Ripon, Escalon, and Lathrop. On private property, Development Title §9-1025 requires vehicles to be currently registered, operable, and stored on a paved or graveled surface, or fully screened behind a 6-foot solid fence or inside an enclosed structure.
Inoperable vehicles (flat tires, missing parts, broken glass) visible from a public street or neighboring property constitute a nuisance under Government Code §38773 and §25845. Code enforcement issues a written notice (typically 10 to 15 days) before abatement. 12 authorize police-approved towing of inoperable vehicles. Classic cars actively being restored may be exempt with a hobbyist permit.
Violations & Fines
Public street: 72-hour violation: tow at owner expense ($250 to $500 plus $60/day storage). Private property inoperable vehicle: 10 to 15 day notice, then abatement with costs liened against property. Unregistered/unscreened vehicle visible from street: $100 to $500 infraction plus daily accrual. Chronic nuisance: misdemeanor referral under Gov. Code §38773.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
My neighbor has an old car on blocks: can the county make them move it?
How long can a car sit on my Stockton street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Joaquin County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Joaquin County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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