California Statewide Rule

California Abandoned Vehicle Removal Authority Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across California (2026)

Key Facts

Primary statute: Vehicle Code 22669
Abandonment offense: Vehicle Code 22523
Minimum fine: $100 plus removal costs
Trust fund fee: VC 9250.7
Hearing rights: VC 22852 post-storage

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: California Vehicle Code 22669

Summary

California Vehicle Code sections 22651 and 22669 set uniform rules allowing peace officers and authorized agents to remove abandoned vehicles from public and private property after defined waiting periods, with statewide notice and lien procedures.

(a) Any peace officer, as that term is defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or any other employee of the state, county, or city designated by an agency or department of the state or the board of supervisors or city council to perform this function, in the territorial limits in which the officer or employee is authorized to act, who has reasonable grounds to believe that the vehicle has been abandoned, as determined pursuant to Section 22523, may remove the vehicle from a highway or from public or private property.

Source: California Vehicle Code 22669View official code

Full Breakdown

Vehicle Code section 22651 authorizes removal of vehicles parked or left standing in violation of state or local rules, while section 22669 specifically permits public agencies to remove abandoned vehicles from public or private property. Section 22523 makes vehicle abandonment a public offense punishable by fines plus removal costs. The Abandoned Vehicle Trust Fund program (Vehicle Code 9250.7) provides supplemental fee revenue to local agencies that adopt the program. Notice, hearing, and lien sale procedures are governed by Vehicle Code 22850 through 22856 and apply uniformly across the state.

Violations & Penalties

Abandonment of a vehicle is a public offense. Vehicle Code 22523 sets a fine of not less than $100, which cannot be suspended, plus mandatory payment of towing, storage, and disposition costs; owners remain liable for lien sale deficiencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a vehicle considered abandoned in California?

Vehicle Code 22523 defines abandonment as leaving a vehicle on a highway or public or private property without consent. Officers may presume abandonment after 72 hours on a public street under Vehicle Code 22651(k).

Can a city extend the 72-hour rule?

No. Vehicle Code 21 preempts most local vehicle regulation. Cities must follow the statewide notice, tow, and hearing framework, though they may adopt the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement program for added funding.

Sources

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