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

Chapter 11.28 of the Stanislaus County Code governs abandoned vehicles in the unincorporated area. A 'public nuisance vehicle' is any vehicle or part that is abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative, left on public or private property (not a highway), that reduces property value, promotes blight, invites plundering, creates fire hazards, is an attractive nuisance to minors, harbors rodents and insects, or jeopardizes health and safety (Code Sec. 11.28.010). A vehicle is 'abandoned' if left on a highway or property in such inoperable or neglected condition that intent to relinquish it can be concluded; on highways, abandonment is presumed after 72 hours when the vehicle lacks an engine, transmission, wheels, tires, doors, or windshield (Code Sec. 11.28.010). The penalty section makes abandoning a vehicle an infraction (Code Sec. 11.28.030(A), Vehicle Code 22523), and leaving one 72 consecutive hours on a highway an infraction (Sec. 11.28.030(B), Vehicle Code 22651(k)); fines follow Code Sec. 1.36.020 and the offender must also pay removal and disposition costs. For vehicles on private or public property off the highway, the director must issue at least a 10-day notice of intention to abate, stating hearing rights, before removal (Code Sec. 11.28.120, Vehicle Code 22661(c)). Report abandoned vehicles to County Code Enforcement at 209-525-6700.