Turlock, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

The City of Turlock treats vehicles parked on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours, as well as inoperable or hazardous vehicles, as potentially abandoned. The Turlock Municipal Code defines an "abandoned vehicle" as any dismantled or partially dismantled vehicle that requires major repairs to render it operable and that has remained within a public street in excess of 72 hours. The Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit handles abandoned-vehicle complaints; residents report them to the Abandoned Vehicle Hotline at (209) 668-5550, ext. 6110, or to Code Enforcement at (209) 664-7348. Officers attach a notice (orange tag) and the registered owner is given time to move the vehicle before removal; immediate removal applies to vehicles posing a hazard. On private property, vehicles visible from the public right-of-way that are dismantled, on jack stands, wrecked, on flat tires, or excessively dirty are considered inoperative and are also subject to abatement. The city relies on the California Vehicle Code for tow authority, including CVC 22651 and related sections. Stored or towed vehicles require a $160 release fee and current DMV registration; a Post Storage Hearing can be requested within 10 days of storage (CVC 22852).