San Joaquin County, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

California Vehicle Code §22651(k) gives peace officers and parking enforcement authority to tow any vehicle that has not moved from a public street for 72 consecutive hours upon a citizen complaint. San Joaquin County participates in the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Service Authority (AVA), funded by a $1 per-vehicle annual DMV registration fee, which coordinates abatement across the unincorporated county plus Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Tracy, Ripon, Escalon, and Lathrop. On private property, Development Title §9-1025 requires vehicles to be currently registered, operable, and stored on a paved or graveled surface, or fully screened behind a 6-foot solid fence or inside an enclosed structure. Inoperable vehicles (flat tires, missing parts, broken glass) visible from a public street or neighboring property constitute a nuisance under Government Code §38773 and §25845. Code enforcement issues a written notice (typically 10 to 15 days) before abatement. Stockton Municipal Code §8.52 and Lodi Municipal Code §8.12 authorize police-approved towing of inoperable vehicles. Classic cars actively being restored may be exempt with a hobbyist permit.