Palm Springs, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

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.