Portland, OR Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Under PCC 16.30.210, a vehicle is presumed abandoned on the public right-of-way if it has remained in essentially the same location for more than 24 hours, or if it lacks a current registration, is wrecked or inoperable, or has flat tires, broken windows, or other indicators of disuse. To report a suspected abandoned vehicle, residents file an Abandoned Auto report through pdxreporter.org, the PBOT mobile app, or the Abandoned Auto Hotline. A PBOT parking enforcement officer affixes a yellow warning notice (PCC 16.30.220) giving the owner 72 hours (three days) to move the vehicle or contact PBOT. If the vehicle is not moved within that window, PBOT issues a tow order and the vehicle is removed to one of the city's contracted tow lots (Sergeants Towing or Retriever Towing). The registered owner is liable for towing and storage fees, typically $200-$400 plus daily storage. Vehicles unclaimed after 30 days are auctioned or scrapped under PCC 16.30.260 and ORS 819.110-181. On private property, abandoned vehicles are handled by the property owner directly through a private tow company under ORS 98.830 (Abandoned Vehicle on Private Property). PBOT does not tow from private lots. RV and oversized-vehicle camping is regulated separately under PCC 16.20.130 (no parking 10pm-6am on Designated Truck Streets without permit).