Fairfield, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Street Abandonment
- Removal under CVC 22523
- Private Property
- 72 hrs inoperable max
- Garage Exception
- Fully enclosed only
- Owner Liability
- Tow + storage + admin fines
- Lien Authority
- Special assessment on parcel
Summary
Fairfield Municipal Code Chapter 11 authorizes the Police Department to remove abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles from public streets and private property under California Vehicle Code Sections 22523 and 22669. Inoperable or unregistered vehicles on residential property are limited to 72 hours unless stored in an enclosed garage.
22651. 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.
Full Breakdown
Fairfield treats vehicle abandonment as both a public safety and a public nuisance issue. Per Chapter 11, any peace officer or designated employee may immediately remove a vehicle parked on a public street that is missing essential parts (engine, transmission, wheels, tires, doors, windshield) and is therefore unable to operate safely; such a vehicle is declared abandoned under CVC 22523 and a hazard under CVC 22669(d). On private property, Chapter 11 also incorporates CVC 22660 abatement procedures: vehicles abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative on private property in public view constitute a nuisance subject to removal after notice and opportunity to hearing. Inoperable or non-currently-registered vehicles in residential zones may be kept on a property no longer than 72 hours unless inside a fully enclosed garage. Vehicles parked on a public street more than 72 consecutive hours are presumed abandoned under CVC 22651(k) and may be removed.
Violations & Fines
Owners of abandoned vehicles are responsible for tow and storage costs (typically $200-$500 plus daily storage). Failure to remove an inoperable vehicle from private property after notice results in administrative citations under Municipal Code Chapter 27 ($100-$500) plus contracted removal at the owner's expense, recoverable as a special assessment against the parcel.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a project car in my Fairfield driveway with no current registration: can I keep it there?
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in my Fairfield neighborhood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfield
California rules heatmap·Compare Fairfield to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle abandoned vehicles.