Abandoned, inoperable, unlicensed and junk vehicles are prohibited on both public and private property in Richmond, and parking-enforcement staff can remove and tow them under California Vehicle Code §22651 and §22660 once the local 72-hour limit or other condition is documented.
Richmond's Code Enforcement Division publishes a clear baseline rule on inoperable vehicles: 'Abandoned, inoperable, unlicensed and junk vehicles are not allowed on private or public property in Richmond,' and 'All vehicles are prohibited from parking on any lawn area or on any unapproved parking pad.' On public streets, the vehicle must be in driving condition with current DMV registration and tabs and cannot remain in place over 72 hours. Removal authority comes from California Vehicle Code §22651 (which authorizes peace officers and authorized parking enforcement employees to remove a vehicle for a wide range of conditions, including subsection (k) covering vehicles parked or left standing for 72 or more consecutive hours in violation of a local ordinance authorizing removal) and §22660 (which lets cities and counties adopt ordinances to remove abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles or parts from public and private property). The Richmond Abandoned Vehicle hotline is (510) 620-6644.
Documented abandoned or inoperable vehicles are subject to citation, towing, and impound under CVC §22651/§22660. Owners are responsible for tow, storage, and administrative release fees, and may face additional Code Enforcement abatement liens for vehicles left on private property.
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