How do I report an abandoned vehicle on my private property?

Contact San Diego Code Enforcement or the police via the city reporting page; provide photos, location, and ownership information when available.

Can I tow the vehicle myself?

Do not tow a vehicle until the city or police confirms it is abandoned and you follow required notice procedures; unauthorized towing may create liability.

Who pays towing and storage fees?

The registered owner is generally responsible for towing and storage fees; the property owner may seek cost recovery through civil processes if necessary.

San Diego Abandoned Vehicle Removal Steps

Public Safety California 3 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026

In San Diego, California, property owners who find an abandoned vehicle on private property must follow local and state procedures before removing or having the vehicle towed. This guide explains how the city and state rules interact, who enforces removal, how to report an abandoned vehicle, typical timelines, and practical steps to reclaim or clear your property.

When a vehicle is "abandoned"

A vehicle may be considered abandoned if it is left on private property without the owner’s consent, appears inoperable, or is otherwise left for a prolonged period. City staff will assess whether the situation meets the statutory definition before authorizing removal. For state criteria that often guide municipal action, see the California Vehicle Code cited below ^[1].

How the removal process works

Report the vehicle to the city or police so authorities can confirm ownership and legal status.
Authorities typically investigate and, if required, post a notice on the vehicle giving the registered owner a short period to respond.
If the owner does not remove the vehicle and no valid claim is made, the vehicle may be towed and impounded per municipal procedures and state law.
Impound, towing, and administrative fees may apply; owners usually must pay fees and any storage costs to recover the vehicle.

Report early to avoid added towing and storage fees.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of abandoned-vehicle rules in San Diego is carried out by city Code Enforcement and the San Diego Police Department, who may coordinate with licensed tow companies. The controlling state statute that municipalities apply is the California Vehicle Code; local procedures implement and supplement that law ^[1]. For city contact and complaint submission, use the municipal reporting/contact page listed below ^[2].

Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: whether first, repeat, or continuing offences carry different fines is not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: administrative removal orders, towing and impound, and court actions for recovery of costs.
Enforcer: City of San Diego Code Enforcement and San Diego Police Department; complaints and inspections are initiated through the city contact page ^[2].
Appeals/review: specific appeal bodies and statutory time limits are not specified on the cited pages; follow instructions on any removal notice or contact the city for appeal procedures.
Common violations: leaving an inoperable vehicle on private property without consent; blocking access; long-term storage on property. Typical penalties: towing, impound fees, and administrative cost recovery.

Applications & Forms

The city may use standard complaint/report forms for abandoned vehicles or accept online reports; no specific removal application number or published form was specified on the cited pages. Contact the city via the official reporting link below to confirm current forms and submission methods ^[2].

Action steps for property owners

Document the vehicle: photos with date/time and location description.
Report to the City of San Diego using the official complaint/report page so staff can investigate ^[2].
If you are the owner, provide proof of ownership and pay any towing/storage fees to recover the vehicle.
If you dispute a removal or fees, follow the appeal instructions on the removal notice or contact the city to request review.

Keep copies of all communications and receipts related to the removal.

FAQ

How do I report an abandoned vehicle on my private property?: Contact San Diego Code Enforcement or the police via the city reporting page; provide photos, location, and ownership information when available. See the city contact link below ^[2].
Can I tow the vehicle myself?: Do not tow a vehicle until the city or police confirms it is abandoned and you follow required notice procedures; unauthorized towing may create liability.
Who pays towing and storage fees?: The registered owner is generally responsible for towing and storage fees; the property owner may seek cost recovery through civil processes if necessary.

How-To

Document the vehicle with clear photos and note the location and time.
Check property records and ask neighbors if anyone claims the vehicle.
Submit an official report to City of San Diego Code Enforcement or police using the city reporting/contact page ^[2].
Wait for the city or police to investigate and post any required notices before removal.
If the city authorizes removal, coordinate with the approved tow company and keep receipts.
If you dispute the action or fees, follow the appeal instructions on the notice or contact the city for review.

Key Takeaways

Always report an abandoned vehicle to the city before arranging removal.
Towing and storage fees typically apply; document expenses and receipts.
Code Enforcement and police coordinate enforcement; follow posted notice and appeal instructions.