Tuolumne County, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Public-road removal
- 72 hours after notice (10.24.030; Veh. Code 22651(k))
- Private-property track
- Public-nuisance abatement, Ch. 1.10 Code Compliance
- Report complaints to
- Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office
- Administrative fine (1.10.070(C)(1))
- $100 / $200 / $500 (1st / 2nd / each additional in 12 mo.)
- Daily fines
- Up to 15 days after Notice and Order
- Cost recovery
- Abatement costs may become a property lien
Summary
In unincorporated Tuolumne County, a vehicle left on a public road over 72 hours after a posted notice may be removed under Ordinance Code Section 10.24.030 and Vehicle Code 22651(k). Abandoned or inoperative vehicles on private property are abated as a public nuisance under Code Compliance (Chapter 1.10); complaints go to the Sheriff's Office.
711] ( Article 1 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. ) 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
Tuolumne County handles abandoned vehicles through two tracks. 030 provides that a vehicle left standing on any public street or highway more than 72 consecutive hours after a notice is posted - and not moved at least 50 yards - is in violation and subject to removal at the owner's expense. This tracks California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k), under which a peace officer may remove a vehicle abandoned or left standing on a highway 72 or more consecutive hours, and Vehicle Code Section 22669, which authorizes removal of vehicles determined to be abandoned.
10), administered by the Community Development Department; the county directs complaints about abandoned or non-operable vehicles to the Sheriff's Office. 070(C)(1), an unspecified violation is $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within 12 months, and $500 for each additional violation within 12 months, with daily fines available for up to 15 days after a Notice and Order is issued, plus abatement costs that can become a lien on the property.
Violations & Fines
On public roads, a vehicle left more than 72 hours after a posted notice may be removed at the owner's expense (Section 10.24.030; Veh. Code 22651(k), 22669). On private property, an abandoned/inoperative vehicle is a public nuisance abated under Chapter 1.10, with administrative fines of $100 / $200 / $500 (Section 1.10.070(C)(1)) plus daily fines and abatement-cost liens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in unincorporated Tuolumne County?
What are the fines for an abandoned vehicle on private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tuolumne County
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