Abandoned Vehicle Abatement

An abandoned vehicle refers to a vehicle that is left 72 hours or more on a roadway or is parked or otherwise immobilized on a roadway, public right-of-way or on private or public property.

Law enforcement must adhere to State statute, County Service Authority regulations and local ordinances to investigate potential abandoned vehicle complaints and to take enforcement action (when appropriate) for removal of abandoned vehicles.

In Morgan Hill, our community can report an abandoned vehicle on public property or on a public roadway by using our department's online reporting form.  To report a potential abandoned vehicle on private property on or on a private roadway, you must contact the property owner or land owner.

Here are a few questions and answers to provide more clarity about abandoned vehicle abatement.

Can I park my vehicle on a public street?

• Yes, as long as the vehicle is operable and currently licensed. The vehicle cannot be parked for more than a consecutive period of 72-hours.There is no rule against parking in front of someone else’s residence or business as long as it is not blocking a driveway, fire hydrant, in a red, green, blue or yellow zone, reserved for permit parking or violating current Federal, State or local law.
• Keep in mind, public parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. An individual has no legal right to the space in front of their residence or business.

Is an abandoned vehicle different than a parked vehicle?

• Yes, vehicles are considered abandoned if they are a safety concern or contributing to extreme blight, such as:
  • On jacks / blocks    
  • Dismantled or physically impaired (e.g. no engine, missing / shattered window, flat tire, etc.)    
  • Vandalized / graffiti (non-commercial vehicle)
  • Missing both the front and back license plate
  • Attracting illegal dumping activities
  • Registration expired over six (6) months
• Reports of "old," "dirty," or "ugly," are not by themselves a reason to presume a vehicle is abandoned. 

• An abandoned vehicle differs from owners using a public street to store their vehicle, exceeding the 72-hour parking restriction.

What are the laws regarding Recreational Vehicle Parking?

• Visit Recreational Vehicle Parking in Morgan Hill for more information.

Where can I report a potential abandoned vehicle?

• Online reporting is available at Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Report.
• Please note:
  • Potential abandoned vehicles must be on public property or on a public roadway.
  • The abatement process can be lengthy. Please do not submit multiple reports for the same vehicle.
  • During the process, if the vehicle is moved it is no longer considered abandoned and the abatement process concludes.
  • The Police Department is unable to provide updates to the reporting party on the status of their abandoned vehicle abatement report.
  • If a vehicle is blocking a driveway or fire hydrant or is parked in a red, green, blue, or yellow zone, or is blocking or parked in  a space reserved for permit or placard parking, please call our Non-Emergency Dispatch number at 408-779-2101.  Be prepared to give the Dispatcher precise details regarding the vehicle, location of the vehicle and observed violation.