Vacaville, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Abandoned Definition
- 5+ days on street (72 hrs on repeat). VMC 10.48
- State Authority
- CVC §22669: removal from public/private property
- Private Property
- Wrecked / dismantled / inoperable = public nuisance
- Process
- Written notice + hearing + tow
- Cost Recovery
- Lien on property for abatement costs
Summary
Vacaville Municipal Code Chapter 10.48 defines an abandoned vehicle as one parked on a public street or highway for 5 or more consecutive days (or 72 or more consecutive hours on a repeat violation). The City may also abate inoperable, wrecked, dismantled, or junked vehicles on private property as a public nuisance. California Vehicle Code §22669 authorizes peace officers to remove abandoned vehicles from public or private property.
(o) (1) If a vehicle is found or operated upon a highway, public land, or an offstreet parking facility under any of the following circumstances: (A) (i) With a registration expiration date in excess of six months before the date it is found or operated on the highway, public lands, or the offstreet parking facility. ... (j) If a vehicle is found illegally parked and there are no license plates or other evidence of registration displayed, the vehicle may be impounded until the owner or person in control of the vehicle furnishes the impounding law enforcement agency evidence of their identity and an address within this state where they can be located.
Full Breakdown
48 (Abandoned Vehicles) is Vacaville's local implementation of California Vehicle Code §§22660–22671 and Vehicle Code §22669. 48, for 72 or more consecutive hours. Wrecked, dismantled, inoperable, or junked vehicles on private property visible from a public street, alley, or other public property are likewise declared a public nuisance and may be abated by the City. The abatement process requires written notice to the registered owner and the property owner, an opportunity for a hearing before the City's hearing officer, and a determination of nuisance before removal.
Once removed, the vehicle is held in storage and may be sold at auction if not redeemed. CVC §22669 authorizes any peace officer or City-designated employee to remove a vehicle from a highway, public property, or private property where there are reasonable grounds to believe it is abandoned. Low-value abandoned vehicles (under the statutory threshold) follow the streamlined CVC §22669 / DMV process.
Violations & Fines
An owner who allows a vehicle to remain abandoned on a public street more than 5 days (72 hours on repeat violation) faces tow, impound, and storage charges under VMC Chapter 10.48 and CVC §22669, plus possible administrative citation. Wrecked or inoperable vehicles on private property visible from the public way are public-nuisance violations: the City can issue a notice to abate, and if the owner does not comply, the City can remove the vehicle and charge costs as a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a vehicle considered abandoned in Vacaville?
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Vacaville?
Can the City remove a junked car from my neighbor's driveway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vacaville
California rules heatmap·Compare Vacaville to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle abandoned vehicles.