Modesto, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- 30 days before it is unlawful
- Notice period
- 10-day written notice before abatement
- Hearing officer
- City Manager or designee
- Appeal path
- Writ of mandate only, no Council appeal
- Unpaid cost recovery
- Assessed against the parcel as a tax lien
- Fence exception
- 5-ft solid fence, not visible, exempts vehicle
Summary
Modesto Code of Ordinances § 4-7.1915 makes it an infraction to keep an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle on any private or public property, other than a highway, for more than thirty days. The Police Chief can order removal as a public nuisance after a ten-day notice and hearing process under Article 19.
It is unlawful and an infraction for any person to abandon, keep, park, store, maintain, or leave or permit the abandonment, parking, storing or leaving of any licensed or unlicensed vehicle, or parts thereof, which is in an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative condition upon any private property or public property, not including highways, within the City for a period in excess of thirty (30) days unless such vehicle or parts thereof is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not plainly visible from the street or other public or private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer, a junk dealer, or when such storage or parking is necessary to the operation of a lawfully conducted business or commercial enterprise.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
in 1998, implements the City's authority under Vehicle Code § 22660 to treat abandoned vehicles as public nuisances. 1902 defines an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle broadly, covering anything left in a condition from which the owner's intent to give up possession can reasonably be inferred, including vehicles barred from the road for missing plates, registration or safety equipment. 1903 excludes vehicles fully enclosed in a building, hidden behind a five-foot solid fence, covered by a tarp in a carport, or lawfully stored as part of a licensed dismantler's, dealer's or junk business.
1915, keeping such a vehicle on private or public property (not a highway) for more than thirty days is an unlawful infraction. 1908 requires the Police Chief to mail a ten-day notice of intent to abate to both the landowner and the vehicle's registered owner, using the exact statutory notice forms set out in the section. 1910(d). 5. 1913.
Violations & Fines
Leaving an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle on property for more than thirty days is an infraction under § 4-7.1915, on top of removal and administrative costs charged to the landowner. If those costs go unpaid within thirty days of the final order, § 4-7.1914 lets the City assess them against the parcel itself, collected alongside property taxes with the same priority as other tax liens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an inoperative car sit in my Modesto driveway?
Can the City remove my car without warning?
Can I appeal an order to remove my vehicle to the City Council?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto to another location·View the California parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.