Surprise, AZ Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Public Street
- 72 hours max, then 48-hour tow notice
- Private Property
- Must be in enclosed garage if inoperable
- State Law
- ARS 28-4801 through 28-4851
- Code Enforcement
- (623) 222-1200
Summary
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.
cable to stop, park or leave the vehicle off that part of the highway. If a person stops, parks or leaves standing a vehicle, the person shall leave an unobstructed width of the highway opposite the standing vehicle for the free passage of other vehicles and a clear view of the standing vehicle shall be available from a distance of two hundred feet in each direction on the highway. B. This section does not apply to: 1. The driver of a vehicle that is disabled while on the paved or main traveled portion of a highway in a manner and to an extent that it is impossible to avoid stopping and temporarily leaving the disabled vehicle in that position.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car sit on a Surprise street before it's towed?
Can I keep a project car in my Surprise driveway?
How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Surprise
Compare Surprise to another location·View the Arizona parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle abandoned vehicles.