Santa Clara County, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Road authority
- Div. B12, Ch. III, Art. 4 (Sec. B12-171 to B12-188)
- State basis
- CA Vehicle Code Sec. 22660 (abatement)
- Road removal trigger
- 72+ continuous hours
- Private-property limit
- Max 2 inoperative vehicles, screened from view (Sec. 4.20.070)
- Report to
- Sheriff (408) 299-2311 / (408) 299-3233
Summary
Abandoned, wrecked, and inoperative vehicles are regulated by the County's Stopping, Standing and Parking ordinance (Division B12, Chapter III, Article 4) and the Zoning Ordinance. A vehicle left on a public road 72+ continuous hours may be removed, and the County runs an abandoned-vehicle abatement program through the Sheriff's Office under California Vehicle Code Section 22660.
A peace officer, 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. (b) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway in a position so as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic or in a condition so as to create a hazard to other traffic upon the highway.
Full Breakdown
Abandoned and inoperative vehicles in unincorporated Santa Clara County are addressed in two ways. On public roads, Title B, Division B12, Chapter III ('Stopping, Standing and Parking') governs. Its 72-hour rule provides that a vehicle left standing on a highway in unincorporated territory for 72 or more consecutive hours may be removed by the California Highway Patrol or a Sheriff's deputy under the Vehicle Code, with notice and tow/storage liens handled per state law. 2 (sections B12-171 through B12-188), addresses abandoned and inoperative vehicles and the County's abatement authority, consistent with California Vehicle Code Section 22660.
Santa Clara County participates in an Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Service Authority funded through DMV registration fees. Residents in unincorporated areas (and the contract towns of Cupertino, Los Altos Hills, and Saratoga) may report an abandoned vehicle to the Sheriff's Office at (408) 299-2311 or (408) 299-3233. 070) limits inoperative or disabled vehicles: a vehicle is inoperable or disabled if it cannot be immediately started and moved under its own power or is not currently registered; no more than two such vehicles may be stored or worked on, and none may be stored where visible from neighboring properties or the public street.
Violations & Fines
A vehicle abandoned on a public road over 72 hours can be towed by the Sheriff or CHP. On private property, storing more than two inoperative vehicles, or keeping disabled vehicles in public view, violates Zoning Ordinance 4.20.070 and is enforced by the Department of Planning and Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in unincorporated Santa Clara County?
How many junk or inoperative vehicles can I keep on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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