Surprise prohibits abandoned, inoperable, or junk vehicles on public streets and visible on private property. Vehicles without current registration or that are clearly inoperable must be stored in enclosed garages or removed. The city actively enforces abandoned vehicle ordinances.
The Surprise City Code defines abandoned vehicles as those left on public property for more than 72 hours without being moved, or vehicles without current registration that appear inoperable. On private property, inoperable vehicles, vehicles with flat tires, missing parts, or no current registration visible from public view constitute a code violation. Vehicles must be stored in enclosed garages if not currently registered and operable. The city posts 48-hour removal notices on abandoned vehicles on public streets before towing. Towed vehicles are stored at the city's contracted impound lot. Owners must pay towing and storage fees for retrieval. Arizona law (ARS 28-4801 through 28-4851) governs abandoned vehicle procedures. Contact Code Enforcement at (623) 222-1200 to report abandoned vehicles.
Abandoned vehicles on public streets are towed after 48-hour notice. Inoperable vehicles visible on private property receive code enforcement citations with fines starting at $100. Repeat violations may escalate to $500+ per day. Vehicle owners pay towing and impound fees.
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