Lodi, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Abandonment threshold
- 72 hours (CVC §22651(k))
- Expired registration tow
- >6 months (CVC §22651(o))
- Inoperative vehicle tow
- Immediate (CVC §22669(d))
- City tow release fee
- $160
- Report line
- 209-269-4043
Summary
Any vehicle parked on a Lodi street more than 72 hours without moving is treated as abandoned under California Vehicle Code §22651(k) and can be cited and towed. Vehicles with registration expired more than six months, or that are inoperative, may be towed immediately without notice.
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
The City of Lodi Traffic Services explicitly relies on CVC §22651(k): 'Any vehicle parked over 72 hours without moving falls under the category of abandoned.' Moving a vehicle means physically relocating it, not pushing it a few feet. Vehicles with registration expired more than six months can be immediately removed under CVC §22651(o). Wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles missing key components (engine, wheels, doors, windshield) or lacking current registration may be towed immediately without warning under CVC §22669(d). Reports go to the Lodi Police Traffic Division at 209-269-4043 or the online submission form.
Violations & Fines
Tow plus a $160 City of Lodi tow-release fee paid to the Police Department (cash during business hours Mon-Thu 8am-4pm; exact $160 cash at other times). Tow operator storage fees are separate and the owner's responsibility. Failure to claim the vehicle can result in lien sale by the tow company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does moving my car a few feet reset the 72-hour clock?
My neighbor has an unregistered car on the street: what happens?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lodi
California rules heatmap·Compare Lodi to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle abandoned vehicles.