Palm Springs, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- 72-Hour Rule
- 72-hour public street limit (CVC §22651(k))
- Towing Notice
- Tag/warning posted before tow
- Willful Abandonment
- Fines up to $1,000 (CVC §22523)
- Private Property
- Towing requires signage (CVC §22658)
- Report Method
- Via PD non-emergency or Engage PS app
Summary
Palm Springs enforces California Vehicle Code §22651 and §22669 and Palm Springs Municipal Code Chapter 12 to remove abandoned vehicles from streets and private property. A vehicle left on a public street more than 72 hours, or left on private property without the owner's consent, may be marked, cited, and towed. Reports go to Palm Springs Police non-emergency line or the city's online reporting portal.
A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a regularly employed and salaried employee who is engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations of a city, county, or jurisdiction of a state agency in which a vehicle is located may remove a vehicle located within the territorial limits in which the officer or employee may act, under the following circumstances:
(a) If a vehicle is left unattended upon a bridge, viaduct, or causeway or in a tube or tunnel where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic.
(b) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway in a position so as to obstruct the normal movement of traffic or in a condition so as to create a hazard to other traffic upon the highway.
(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.
(d) If a vehicle is illegally parked so as to block the entrance to a private driveway, and it is impractical to move the vehicle from in front of the driveway to another point on the highway.
(e) If a vehicle is illegally parked so as to prevent access by firefighting equipment to a fire hydrant, and it is impracticable to move the vehicle from in front of the fire hydrant to another point on the highway.
(f) If a vehicle, except highway maintenance or construction equipment, is stopped, parked, or left standing for more than four hours upon the right-of-way of a freeway that has full control of access and no crossings at grade, and the driver, if present, cannot move the vehicle under its own power.
Full Breakdown
Under California Vehicle Code §22651(k), any vehicle parked on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours may be removed by a peace officer or authorized parking-enforcement officer. CVC §22669 and §22523 authorize removal of abandoned vehicles from public and private property, and §22523 makes vehicle abandonment a public nuisance subject to fines up to $1,000. Palm Springs parking enforcement typically places a warning notice on suspected abandoned vehicles giving 72 hours to move them; failure to move results in towing at owner expense.
Indicators include flat tires, expired registration (tags over six months expired), accumulated dust or debris, broken windows, and lack of movement. To report an abandoned vehicle in Palm Springs, residents call the Palm Springs Police non-emergency number, use the city's Engage PS reporting app, or contact the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Program administered by CVAG countywide. On private property (including apartment lots and shopping centers), property owners may have vehicles towed under CVC §22658 after posting proper signage and providing the required notice; vehicles left by tenants have separate notice requirements.
Vehicles on unincorporated Riverside County land near Palm Springs are handled by the Riverside County Sheriff. Owners of towed vehicles can recover them from the tow yard by paying fees and providing proof of ownership and registration; unclaimed vehicles are sold at lien sale after 30–60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Palm Springs?
How long before a car is considered abandoned?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Springs
California rules heatmap·Compare Palm Springs to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle abandoned vehicles.