Fontana, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Street Trigger
- 72 hours (CVC 22651(k))
- Private Property
- FMC Title 15 / Title 9
- Abate Window
- 10-30 days typical
- Must Be Registered
- Current DMV tags
- Operable
- Or hidden from view
Summary
Fontana removes abandoned vehicles under CVC 22651(k) on public streets. Inoperable, unregistered, or dismantled vehicles on private property are abated under FMC property-maintenance rules.
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:
(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.
(j) If a vehicle is found illegally parked and there are no license plates or other evidence of registration displayed, the vehicle may be impounded until the owner or person in control of the vehicle furnishes the impounding law enforcement agency evidence of their identity and an address within this state where they can be located.
(k) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours in violation of a local ordinance authorizing removal.
(o) (1) If a vehicle is found or operated upon a highway, public land, or an offstreet parking facility under any of the following circumstances:
(A) (i) With a registration expiration date in excess of six months before the date it is found or operated on the highway, public lands, or the offstreet parking facility.
Full Breakdown
Abandoned-vehicle enforcement in Fontana operates on two tracks. On public streets, the 72-hour rule of California Vehicle Code 22651(k) allows police to tag and tow a vehicle that remains in the same spot for more than 72 hours. Fontana participates in the statewide Abandoned Vehicle Abatement program funded by a small DMV registration surcharge, which helps cover costs of towing and disposal. On private property, FMC Title 15 and Title 9 (Public Peace, Morals, and Welfare) define an abandoned or inoperable vehicle as one that is dismantled, wrecked, stripped, with expired registration, or incapable of being moved under its own power.
Code Enforcement may issue a notice to abate giving the owner typically 10 to 30 days to lawfully store the vehicle inside a garage, remove it from the property, or restore operability. If not abated, the city may enter the property to tow the vehicle, with costs assessed as a lien. Vehicles stored for repair must be hidden from public view behind an opaque fence or inside a garage. Vehicles offered for private sale on the street (for sale signs) are also regulated under FMC Title 9. Fontana's San Bernardino County location means the vehicle abatement program often coordinates with CHP for freeway-adjacent abandoned vehicles.
Violations & Fines
Street tow fees run $200 to $400 plus storage at about $50 per day. Private-property abatement adds administrative fees of $200 to $500 and a recorded lien for tow and disposal costs if the owner fails to cooperate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave a project car in my Fontana driveway?
How do I report an abandoned car on my Fontana street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fontana
California rules heatmap·Compare Fontana to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle abandoned vehicles.