Fullerton, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- 72-Hour Rule
- Vehicles on public streets must move
- Private Property
- Inoperable vehicles = code violation
- Enforcement
- Police Dept. + Code Enforcement
- CVC Section
- §22669 abandoned vehicles
- Report
- Fullerton PD, (714) 738-6800
Summary
Fullerton enforces California Vehicle Code provisions and local code against abandoned and inoperable vehicles on public streets and private property. Vehicles parked in the same spot for 72+ hours or stored in a state of disrepair are subject to citation and removal.
(a) Any peace officer, as that term is defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or any other employee of the state, county, or city designated by an agency or department of the state or the board of supervisors or city council to perform this function, in the territorial limits in which the officer or employee is authorized to act, who has reasonable grounds to believe that the vehicle has been abandoned, as determined pursuant to Section 22523, may remove the vehicle from a highway or from public or private property.
(b) Any person performing a franchise or contract awarded pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 22710, may remove a vehicle from a highway or place to which it has been removed pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 22654 or from public or private property, after a determination by a peace officer, as that term is defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or other designated employee of the state, county, or city in which the vehicle is located that the vehicle is abandoned, as determined pursuant to Section 22523.
(c) A state, county, or city employee, other than a peace officer or employee of a sheriff's department or a city police department, designated to remove vehicles pursuant to this section may do so only after he or she has mailed or personally delivered a written report identifying the vehicle and its location to the office of the Department of the California Highway Patrol located nearest to the vehicle.
(d) Motor vehicles which are parked, resting, or otherwise immobilized on any highway or public right-of-way and which lack an engine, transmission, wheels, tires, doors, windshield, or any other part or equipment necessary to operate safely on the highways of this state, are hereby declared a hazard to public health, safety, and welfare and may be removed immediately upon discovery by a peace officer or other designated employee of the state, county, or city.
Full Breakdown
Under California Vehicle Code Section 22669 and FMC provisions, the Fullerton Police Department enforces abandoned vehicle regulations. A vehicle is considered abandoned if it has been parked on a public street for 72 or more consecutive hours without being moved. Inoperable vehicles, those lacking current registration, missing major components, or in a state of obvious disrepair, are also subject to enforcement on private property under FMC nuisance provisions. Code Enforcement addresses inoperable vehicles on private property that are visible from public view, as they constitute property blight. Vehicles reported as abandoned receive a 72-hour notice before towing. The city contracts with authorized tow companies for vehicle removal. Vehicle owners may reclaim towed vehicles by paying towing and storage fees. Junk vehicles on private property may be abated through the city's nuisance process.
Violations & Fines
Abandoned vehicles on public streets receive 72-hour warning notices before towing. Towing and storage fees apply. Inoperable vehicles on private property may result in code violation notices, administrative fines, and forced abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Fullerton?
How long can a car sit on the street in Fullerton?
Can I store a non-running car in my driveway in Fullerton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fullerton
California rules heatmap·Compare Fullerton to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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