Temecula, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Under California Vehicle Code §22669, public agencies may remove vehicles that are abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative on public or private property. CVC §22651(k) authorizes towing after 72 hours of continuous on-street parking. Temecula contracts with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department (which provides police services) and Code Enforcement to investigate abandoned-vehicle complaints. On private property, Temecula Municipal Code Chapter 8.12 (Property Maintenance) prohibits storing inoperable, wrecked, or unregistered vehicles in front yards or in public view of residential property; such vehicles must be inside an enclosed garage or screened behind a solid fence. Vehicles with expired registration over six months old are also subject to removal. Once a complaint is received, Code Enforcement typically tags the vehicle, gives the owner 72 hours (or longer for private property cases) to remove or correct the violation, and then arranges towing. Owners can recover towed vehicles from the contracted impound yard upon paying tow, storage, and any administrative fees. Abandoned-vehicle complaints can be filed via the city's online reporting portal or by calling Code Enforcement.