San Bernardino County, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Local program
- Vehicle Abatement and Removal Program (Title 3, Div. 3, Ch. 12)
- Procedures section
- County Code 33.1240 (nuisance abatement)
- State authority
- California Vehicle Code 22660-22669
- Driveway vehicles
- Must be operable and currently registered
- Cost recovery
- Abatement and admin costs charged to owner
- Report a vehicle
- County Code Enforcement, (909) 884-4056
Summary
San Bernardino County operates a Vehicle Abatement and Removal Program under County Code Title 3, Division 3, Chapter 12. Abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles on private or public property are declared a public nuisance and may be abated and removed, with costs charged to the owner, consistent with California Vehicle Code Sections 22660-22669.
22651. A peace officer [...] may remove a vehicle located within the territorial limits in which the officer or employee may act, under the following circumstances: [...] (k) If a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours in violation of a local ordinance authorizing removal. (o) (1) If a vehicle is found upon a highway or any public lands with a registration expiration date in excess of six months before the date it is found on the highway or public lands.
Full Breakdown
The unincorporated County addresses junk and abandoned vehicles through its Vehicle Abatement and Removal Program, codified in County Code Title 3 (Health and Sanitation), Division 3 (Environmental Health), Chapter 12. 1240 sets out the abatement procedures for vehicles that are a public nuisance. The accumulation of such vehicles is treated as a nuisance because it reduces property values, promotes blight, and creates fire and safety hazards. If an owner does not voluntarily abate the vehicle after notice, the enforcement authority or its contractor may remove it, and the costs of abatement and removal-plus administrative costs-may be assessed against the property owner or the vehicle's last registered/legal owner.
County guidance notes that vehicles parked on a driveway must be operable and currently registered, and that vehicles generally may not be parked on unpaved dirt or lawn areas. A vehicle that has been abated may not be reconstructed or made operable again unless it qualifies for horseless-carriage or historical-vehicle plates. Reports of abandoned vehicles are handled by County Code Enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Storing an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle on private or public property is a public nuisance under County Code Chapter 12 (Title 3) and can result in abatement, removal and cost recovery against the owner. Keeping an inoperable or unregistered vehicle visible on a driveway, or parking on dirt/lawn, can trigger code-enforcement action. On-street abandoned vehicles may be removed under the California Vehicle Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an abandoned vehicle on private property?
Who pays to remove a nuisance vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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