Tuolumne County, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Tuolumne County handles abandoned vehicles through two tracks. On public roads, Ordinance Code Section 10.24.030 provides that a vehicle left standing on any public street or highway more than 72 consecutive hours after a notice is posted - and not moved at least 50 yards - is in violation and subject to removal at the owner's expense. This tracks California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k), under which a peace officer may remove a vehicle abandoned or left standing on a highway 72 or more consecutive hours, and Vehicle Code Section 22669, which authorizes removal of vehicles determined to be abandoned. On private property, abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles are treated as a public nuisance and abated through the county's Code Compliance chapter (Chapter 1.10), administered by the Community Development Department; the county directs complaints about abandoned or non-operable vehicles to the Sheriff's Office. Chapter 1.10 sets a tiered administrative-fine schedule: under Section 1.10.070(C)(1), an unspecified violation is $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within 12 months, and $500 for each additional violation within 12 months, with daily fines available for up to 15 days after a Notice and Order is issued, plus abatement costs that can become a lien on the property.