This service provides for the removal of vehicles that are abandoned or stored in the public right-of-way, unregistered, or inoperative.

Vehicle Movement
In San José, it is illegal to leave a vehicle parked for more than 72 consecutive hours on a public street without it being driven at least 1/10th of a mile. When a vehicle is reported or observed to be abandoned or stored, a courtesy tow warning notice is typically placed on it, so that the vehicle owner has the opportunity to correct the violation.  While the goal is for the vehicle to be moved through voluntary compliance, vehicles remaining in violation may be subject to a citation and/or towed.

Vehicle Registration / Inoperable Vehicles
In the State of California, it is also illegal to operate a vehicle without current registration. Vehicles parked on a public street with vehicle registration expired over 6 months may be towed immediately.  Inoperable vehicles (missing essential parts, such as an engine, wheels, etc.), may also be towed immediately.

Report Concern
To submit a concern about an abandoned or stored vehicle, use the Vehicle Abatement on-line Service Request form. Please allow at least three business days for a parking compliance officer to investigate your concern.

If you think your vehicle may have been towed, check the Police Department's vehicle impound website.