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Redding, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

72-Hour Tow Authority
CVC §22651(k)
Removal Authority
CVC §22669 + §§22660–22671
Local Implementation
RMC Chapter 11.24 + RPD Policy 507
AVA Program
California H&SC §§40050–40055 (Shasta SAAVA)
Private Property
Wrecked/inoperable = public nuisance
Reporting
Redding Police non-emergency 530-225-4200

Summary

Abandoned and inoperable vehicles in Redding are handled under Redding Municipal Code Chapter 11.24 (Stopping, Standing and Parking) and the City's nuisance-abatement framework, with state authority drawn from California Vehicle Code §§22651, 22669, 22660–22671, and California Health & Safety Code §40050 et seq. (Abandoned Vehicle Abatement). Vehicles parked on public streets more than 72 consecutive hours may be towed under CVC §22651(k); wrecked or inoperable vehicles on private property visible from the public way are abated as a public nuisance.

22651. A peace officer... 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... the vehicle may be impounded until that person furnishes to the impounding law enforcement agency all of the following: (A) Evidence of their identity. (B) An address within this state where they can be located.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Redding's abandoned-vehicle framework combines state statute and local enforcement. (1) State authority: California Vehicle Code §22651(k) authorizes peace officers to tow any vehicle parked on a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours; CVC §22669 authorizes removal of abandoned vehicles from public or private property; CVC §§22660–22671 establish the broader abatement process; and California Health & Safety Code §§40050–40055 (the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program) authorize counties and cities to fund local abatement programs through a $1 vehicle registration surcharge collected by DMV (the AVA / Service Authority for Abatement of Abandoned Vehicles program).

Shasta County operates an AVA Service Authority covering Redding. 24 implements the 72-hour rule and authorizes Redding Police Department to tag, mark, and tow abandoned vehicles per RPD Policy 507. Wrecked, dismantled, inoperable, or junked vehicles on private property visible from a public street, alley, or public property are abated by Redding Code Enforcement (Development Services, 777 Cypress Avenue) under the City's general nuisance authority. (3) Process: written notice is given to the registered owner and the property owner, an opportunity for a hearing is offered, and after a determination the vehicle may be removed. lien sale process. Redding Police non-emergency dispatch handles abandoned-vehicle reports on public streets.

Violations & Fines

Allowing a vehicle to remain on a Redding street more than 72 hours subjects it to tow and impound under CVC §22651(k) and RMC Chapter 11.24, with all tow, storage, and administrative costs charged to the owner. Storing a wrecked, dismantled, or inoperable vehicle on private property visible from the public way is a public-nuisance violation enforceable by Redding Code Enforcement with notices of violation, administrative citations, and, if not abated, City-performed removal billed to the property owner as a special assessment or lien. Unpaid parking and abatement charges can trigger DMV registration holds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Redding, CA?
For a vehicle on a public street, call Redding Police Department non-emergency at 530-225-4200. An officer or parking enforcement employee will respond, place a chalk mark on the tire per RPD Policy 507, and start the 72-hour clock under California Vehicle Code §22651(k). For a wrecked or inoperable vehicle on private property, contact Redding Code Enforcement at Development Services, 777 Cypress Avenue (1st Floor).
When is a vehicle considered abandoned in Redding?
Under California Vehicle Code §22651(k), enforced locally through Redding Municipal Code Chapter 11.24, any vehicle parked on a public street for 72 or more consecutive hours may be tagged and towed. CVC §22669 also authorizes removal of vehicles that are wrecked, dismantled, or partially dismantled and incapable of being moved under their own power, even before the 72-hour window expires.
Can I keep an inoperable car in my Redding driveway?
Generally no, if it is visible from a public street, alley, or public property. Redding Code Enforcement treats wrecked, dismantled, inoperable, and junked vehicles on residential property as a public nuisance. The vehicle must be operable and currently registered, or stored fully enclosed inside a garage or carport, or the City can issue a notice of violation and ultimately remove the vehicle at the owner's cost.

Sources & Official References

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