How long can you leave a car parked on the street in California?

Contrary to popular belief, this regulation isn't specific to Seal Beach. California Vehicle Code §22651(k) makes it illegal for a vehicle to be parked in the same spot for more than 72 hours, on any public street in California . After 72 hours, the vehicle may be cited and/or towed.



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After 72 hours, the vehicle may be cited and/or towed. This law is on the books to help reduce the number of abandoned vehicles left on the roadway and to give police agencies the authority to remove them.

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A vehicle that is stopped, parked, or left standing on a freeway for more than four hours may be removed.

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As used in this chapter, in reference to highways, “abandonment” is presumed to have occurred if a vehicle is left 72 hours or more on the highway, or is parked, resting, or otherwise immobilized on any highway or public right-of-way; or it lacks an engine, or transmission, or wheels, or tires, or doors, or windshield, ...

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With a few exceptions, parking in front of a driveway is against the law in California. The driver of a school bus may stop in front of a driveway to pick up or drop off a student, and a police officer may direct you to do so. It's alright if you become backed up near a driveway because of traffic, though.

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