Encinitas, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Encinitas Municipal Code Chapter 11.20 and California Vehicle Code Sections 22669-22710 govern abandoned and inoperable vehicles. On public streets, any vehicle parked in excess of 72 hours in the same location is considered potentially abandoned and subject to tagging, citation, and towing. Vehicles without current registration, flat tires, or in obvious disrepair on public streets may be tagged for removal with shorter notice. On private residential property, inoperable vehicles (those unable to move under their own power) must be stored inside an enclosed garage or structure and screened from public view. Vehicles on blocks, dismantled vehicles, and parts cars visible from the street or neighboring properties constitute a code violation. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department handles on-street enforcement including tagging and arranging tows. Code Enforcement at (760) 633-2660 handles complaints about inoperable vehicles on private property. Vehicles are towed to contracted storage facilities, and owners must pay towing and storage fees for retrieval.