San Jose, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

San Jose Municipal Code 11.36.200 prohibits parking any vehicle on a city street for more than 72 consecutive hours. The DOT Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program accepts reports via San Jose 311 or the My San Jose app. Officers chalk tires and return after 72 hours; if not moved, the vehicle is towed under California Vehicle Code 22651(k). CVC 22651(o) authorizes tow of any vehicle on a public street with expired registration more than six months. Inoperable vehicles stored on private property are governed by SJMC Chapter 6.66, which declares them a public nuisance subject to abatement. An inoperable vehicle is one missing essential parts (engine, transmission, wheels, tires), wrecked, dismantled, or unable to move under its own power. Code Enforcement issues a notice with at least 10 days to cure (move to enclosed garage, repair to operable condition, or remove from property). Vehicles towed by the city must have a Notice of Stored Vehicle mailed to the registered owner within 48 hours, with lien-sale procedures starting after 30 days of unclaimed storage.