Palo Alto, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Legal Authority
- CVC 22651(k)
- Time Limit
- 72 hours in one location
- Enforcement
- Tire marking, photo documentation
- Private Property
- Code enforcement abatement
- Contest Rights
- Administrative hearing available
Summary
Palo Alto enforces the 72-hour rule under CVC 22651(k), with parking enforcement marking and towing vehicles parked or stored without movement on public streets.
22651. A peace officer, 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: (i) (1) If a vehicle, other than a rented vehicle, is found upon a highway or public land, or is removed pursuant to this code, and it is known that the 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 of notice of citation issuance.
Full Breakdown
Vehicles parked continuously in one location on Palo Alto streets for more than 72 hours are subject to towing as abandoned under California Vehicle Code 22651(k). Parking enforcement officers typically mark tires with chalk or photographs, and if the vehicle has not moved after the 72-hour window, a notice of intent to tow is issued. Moving the vehicle a short distance to game the system does not reset the clock if officers determine the vehicle is being stored on the street. Abandoned vehicles on private property are addressed through code enforcement under Palo Alto Municipal Code and may require the property owner to remove the vehicle or face abatement. Vehicles that are wrecked, dismantled, or inoperable on public or private property visible from the right-of-way are separately prohibited as public nuisances. Owners may contest tows through administrative hearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I move my car a few feet, does the 72 hour clock reset?
How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palo Alto
California rules heatmap·Compare Palo Alto to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle abandoned vehicles.