Santa Monica, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Time Limit
- 72 consecutive hours
- Inoperable
- Immediate tow eligible
- TNP Signs
- 24–72 hr advance posting
- Code
- CVC §22651(k), SMMC Ch. 3.12
Summary
Under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k) and Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 3.12, vehicles parked on public streets for 72 or more consecutive hours are considered abandoned and subject to citation and towing. Temporary No Parking signs require 24–72 hours advance posting.
22651. A peace officer ... may remove a vehicle ... under the following circumstances: (f) If a vehicle, except highway maintenance or construction equipment, is stopped, parked, or left standing for more than four hours upon the right-of-way of a freeway that has full control of access and no crossings at grade, and the driver, if present, cannot move the vehicle under its own power. (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 of notice of citation issuance, the vehicle may be impounded.
Full Breakdown
Santa Monica enforces abandoned vehicle provisions under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k) and the City's traffic regulations in Chapter 3.12. Any vehicle parked or left standing on a public street for 72 or more consecutive hours is subject to citation and towing. The City's Parking Operations division handles enforcement through regular patrol and resident reports. Inoperable vehicles on public streets may be towed regardless of duration. Temporary No Parking (TNP) signs must be posted a minimum of 24 hours and maximum of 72 hours before the effective date per CVC Section 22651(m). Santa Monica also operates residential permit parking zones throughout the City, particularly in neighborhoods near commercial districts and the beach. Vehicles without valid residential permits in these zones are subject to citation. The City's dense urban environment and high parking demand result in active enforcement.
Violations & Fines
72-hour violations result in parking citations and towing at the owner's expense. Impound release and daily storage fees apply. Inoperable vehicles may be towed immediately. Repeated violations on the same vehicle may result in lien sale proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car stay parked on the street in Santa Monica?
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Santa Monica?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle abandoned vehicles.