Kern County, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Abandonment threshold
- 72 consecutive hours
- Abatement notice
- 30-day notice and order
- Allowed WDI vehicles
- One intact vehicle on developed parcel
- Penalties
- Administrative penalties per Chapter 8.54
- State authority
- Vehicle Code Sections 22506, 22660
Summary
Kern County declares abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative (WDI) vehicles a public nuisance: a vehicle left 72 or more consecutive hours on a county road, or on private property without the owner's consent, is 'abandoned,' and keeping visible WDI vehicles is unlawful with narrow exceptions.
"Abandoned vehicle" means any automobile, truck, trailer, recreational vehicle, water craft (on or off its hauler), or vehicle defined in the Vehicle Code of the state of California, left for a period of seventy-two (72) or more consecutive hours upon: 1) any street or highway within the unincorporated area of the county, with the exception of state highways, or 2) private property without the private property owner's consent. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, it is unlawful for any person to maintain an abandoned vehicle, WDI vehicle or part thereof on public or private property, in such a manner that all or any part of the vehicle is visible ... except that one WDI vehicle may be kept on a parcel of property only if: 1) the parcel is developed with a permitted residence or structure; 2) such vehicle is completely intact with no noticeable parts missing; and 3) there is not a significant accumulation of exposed rust on the WDI vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Kern County Code Chapter 10.28, enacted under California Vehicle Code Sections 22506 and 22660, makes it unlawful to maintain an abandoned or WDI vehicle on public or private property where any part of it is visible from adjacent property or a road right-of-way. One WDI vehicle may be kept on a parcel developed with a permitted residence or structure if it is completely intact with no noticeable missing parts and no significant exposed rust; vehicles with missing parts or rust over 10 percent of the surface must be under a secured, approved, opaque cover, and the vehicle must be parked on a paved surface unless waived. Before removal, the county issues a 30-day notice and order of intention to abate (Section 10.28.050), with hearings available before the Board of Supervisors (Section 10.28.060). Owners may request a permit to retain additional WDI vehicles from the code compliance division (Section 10.28.070).
Violations & Fines
Each responsible party violating Section 10.28.040 is subject to administrative penalties under Kern County Code Chapter 8.54 (Section 10.28.160), plus abatement and removal of the vehicle after a 30-day notice and recovery of the county's abatement costs under Sections 8.44.130 through 8.44.180.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a vehicle sit on a road in unincorporated Kern County before it is abandoned?
Can I keep a project car on my property in unincorporated Kern County?
What happens before Kern County tows an inoperative vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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