Napa, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Local Code
- NMC Ch. 10.64 (Abandoned Vehicles)
- Adopted State Framework
- CVC §§22660–22668
- 72-Hour Tow Authority
- CVC §22651(k); NMC §10.36.090
- AVA Program
- California H&SC §§40050–40055 (Napa SAAV)
- Notice
- 10-day mailed notice; AV Hearing Board
- Reporting
- cityofnapa.org/503 (Report an Abandoned Vehicle)
Summary
Abandoned and inoperable vehicles in Napa are handled under Napa Municipal Code Chapter 10.64 (Abandoned Vehicles), which adopts the California Vehicle Code §§22660–22668 abatement framework, together with Chapter 10.36 (Stopping, Standing and Parking) and California Health & Safety Code §§40050 et seq. (Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program). Vehicles parked on public streets in violation of the 72-hour rule (NMC §10.36.090; CVC §22651(k)) may be towed; wrecked, dismantled, or inoperable vehicles on private property are abated as a public nuisance after a 10-day notice and an optional public hearing.
A peace officer ... may remove a vehicle ... (c) If a vehicle is found upon a highway or public land and a report has previously been made that the vehicle is stolen or a complaint has been filed and a warrant thereon is issued charging that the vehicle was embezzled. ... (i)(1) If a vehicle ... has been issued five or more notices of parking violations to which the owner or person in control of the vehicle has not responded within 21 calendar days...
Full Breakdown
Napa's abandoned-vehicle framework combines state statute and local enforcement. (1) State authority: California Vehicle Code §22651(k) authorizes peace officers to tow any vehicle parked on a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours; §22669 authorizes removal of abandoned vehicles from public or private property; §§22660–22671 establish the broader abatement process. California Health & Safety Code §§40050–40055 (the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program) authorize counties and cities to fund local abatement programs through a $1 vehicle-registration surcharge collected by DMV; Napa County participates via its Service Authority for Abandoned Vehicles.
64 (Abandoned Vehicles) adopts the CVC §§22660–22668 abatement program and authorizes the Napa City Manager or designated representative to abate and remove abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles on private or public property. A 10-day notice of intention to abate is mailed to the registered owner and the property owner; if either requests a hearing within 10 days, the Abandoned Vehicle Hearing Board holds a public hearing. The City Council periodically sets administrative-cost amounts. 090 (rewritten by Ordinance O2024 effective January 17, 2025) implements the 72-hour rule with a 1,320-foot proof-of-movement test and authorizes removal by Napa Police under CVC §§22650 et seq. (4) Reporting: residents report abandoned vehicles on public streets through the City's Report an Abandoned Vehicle portal or Napa Police non-emergency.
Violations & Fines
Allowing a vehicle to remain on a Napa street more than 72 hours subjects it to tow and impound under NMC §10.36.090 and California Vehicle Code §§22650 et seq., with tow, storage, and administrative costs charged to the owner. Storing a wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle on private property is a public-nuisance violation under NMC Chapter 10.64; after the 10-day notice and any requested hearing, the City may remove the vehicle and recover administrative and removal costs from the property owner, including as a lien or special assessment. Unpaid parking and abatement charges can trigger DMV registration holds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Napa, CA?
When is a vehicle considered abandoned in Napa?
Can I keep an inoperable car on my Napa property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Napa
California rules heatmap·Compare Napa 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.