Milpitas, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Milpitas addresses abandoned vehicles through its 72-hour parking ordinance and the California Vehicle Code. Section V-100-10.03 of the Municipal Code prohibits leaving any vehicle on a street or alley for more than 72 consecutive hours and authorizes police to remove it under the Vehicle Code. The Milpitas Police Department's enforcement procedure (Policy 524, 72-Hour Parking Violations) is carried out 'under the authority of Vehicle Code Sections 22652.6 and 22669.' Suspected vehicles are chalk-marked on a tire at fender level and logged; before towing, officers make a good-faith effort to notify the owner by personal contact, phone, or a notice left on the vehicle at least 24 hours prior to removal. Vehicles confirmed in violation are stored by the City's authorized tow service using a CHP Form 180, with notification to the state Stolen Vehicle System and certified-mail notice to interested parties within 48 hours. Removal of unlawfully parked or standing vehicles is also authorized by Section V-100-12.09, which incorporates California Vehicle Code Section 22651. Abandoned and inoperative vehicles more broadly fall under California's Abandoned Vehicle Abatement law (Vehicle Code Sections 22660-22669), administered locally by Milpitas Code Enforcement and Police. Residents can report suspected abandoned vehicles to the City.