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

The County's abandoned-vehicle program is in County Code Division 78. Sec. 78.102 defines an 'abandoned vehicle' to include any vehicle or part parked, stored, or left on public or private property in such inoperable or neglected condition that the owner's intent to relinquish all rights may reasonably be concluded; any wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle or part left on public or private property; and any vehicle immobilized on a highway or right-of-way that lacks an engine, transmission, wheels, tires, doors, or windshield needed to operate safely. A 'public nuisance vehicle' is one that reduces property value, promotes blight, invites plundering, creates fire hazards, is an attractive nuisance to minors, harbors rodents or insects, or jeopardizes health and safety. Sec. 78.201 provides that, pursuant to Vehicle Code Sec. 22660, if a designated employee or officer has reasonable grounds to believe a vehicle has been abandoned, or that a wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle has been left on public or private property in violation of the division, they may abate and remove it as a public nuisance following the division's procedures. Separately, a vehicle left on a street over the 72-hour limit of Sec. 72.122 may be removed under Vehicle Code Sec. 22651/22652. Reports go to PDS Code Compliance.