Tucson, AZ Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Street Limit
- 7 calendar days
- Code Section
- §20-261
- Inoperable
- Also prohibited on street
- State Law
- ARS §28-871 (72 hr highways)
Summary
Tucson Code §20-261 prohibits leaving any vehicle on a public street unattended for more than 7 calendar days. Inoperable vehicles also prohibited. State threshold is 72 hours on highways (ARS §28-871).
28-871. Stopping, standing or parking outside business or residence district. A. On a highway outside of a business or residence district, a person shall not stop, park or leave standing a vehicle, whether attended or unattended, on the paved or main traveled part of the highway if it is practicable 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. 2. A vehicle or the driver of a vehicle engaged in the official delivery of the United States mail that stops on the right-hand side of the highway for the purpose of picking up or delivering mail if the following conditions are met: (a) A clear view of the vehicle is available from a distance of three hundred feet in each direction on the highway or a flashing amber light at least four inches in diameter with the letters "stop" printed on the light is attached to the rear of the vehicle.
Full Breakdown
Tucson's abandoned vehicle ordinance addresses vehicles on both public streets and private property in city limits. On public streets, vehicles that are unregistered, inoperable, or unmoved for extended periods are tagged with 72-hour removal notices. If not moved, they are towed and impounded at the owner's expense. On private property, inoperable or unlicensed vehicles visible from public areas must be stored inside an enclosed structure or removed. Vehicles on blocks, without wheels, or in obvious disrepair are considered junk vehicles and subject to removal orders. The county may work with property owners to identify abandoned vehicles reported by neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Tucson tow my car from the street?
Can I keep a non-running car on my property?
Sources & Official References
- [1]Source
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