Riverside, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Code chapter
- RMC Ch. 9.28 (city) + Cal. Veh. Code §22651(k), §22669
- Days before street vehicle deemed stored
- 72 hours
- Notice required (private property)
- Yes: written notice + hearing right
- Cost recovery
- Lien on property for abatement costs
- Reporting
- City 311 / Parking Services (951) 826-5620
Summary
City of Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 9.28 (Abandoned, Wrecked and Inoperative Vehicles) makes it unlawful to keep an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle, or parts, on public or private property visible from a public right-of-way. Vehicles parked on the street over 72 hours are also subject to removal under Cal. Veh. Code §22651(k).
22651. A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, 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: (a) If a vehicle is left unattended upon a bridge, viaduct, or causeway or in a tube or tunnel where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic.
Full Breakdown
RMC Chapter 9.28 declares such vehicles a public nuisance and authorizes abatement by the city. The Code Enforcement Division investigates complaints; a written notice of intention to abate is served on the property owner and last registered/legal vehicle owner, who have an opportunity for a hearing. If the nuisance is not removed within the notice period, the city may enter the property and remove the vehicle at the owner's expense. For street-located abandoned vehicles, the city follows Cal. Veh. Code §22651(k) (72-hour storage) and §22669 (abandoned vehicle removal). Riverside County also operates a 'Junk Your Clunker' program enabling no-cost removal of inoperative vehicles from private property.
Violations & Fines
Costs of abatement (towing, storage, dismantling) become a special assessment and lien on the property if unpaid, per Cal. Gov. Code §38773.5 as adopted by the city. Owners can also face administrative citations under RMC Title 1 with progressive fines ($100 / $200 / $500). Vehicles on public streets are towed and impounded; recovery requires payment of citation, tow, and storage fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Riverside?
Can the city tow a junked car from my yard?
Is there a free option to remove a junk car?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle abandoned vehicles.