What is the 72 hour parking rule in San Diego?

In the City of San Diego, it is illegal to leave an operable or inoperable vehicle parked for more than 72 consecutive hours without being driven at least 1/10th of a mile on a public street. It is also illegal to park an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperable vehicle on private property in public view.



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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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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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Not everyone is aware of the 72-hour parking rule. As California Vehicle Code 22651(k) states, a vehicle is only allowed to park in the same spot on a public street for up to 72 hours.

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The program operates seven nights per week at six secured lots at Balboa Avenue, Aero Drive, Mission Village Drive (open 24 hours), Rose Canyon, Encinitas, and Vista. Enrollment is required for all locations. To enroll, call (858) 637-3373 or start the process online. Living in an RV or an Over-Sized Vehicle?

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Typically, your car can sit about four weeks to two months without driving before the battery dies. The reason your car can sit only for so long before it dies is the fact that your car battery is in use even when you're not behind the wheel.

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Your car should be OK sitting for two weeks. There is some drain for the security system. But it should be much less than the total capacity of the battery, if the battery is OK.

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You cannot park in the same spot for more than 72 hours. Parking within a block or 1/10th of a mile within 72 hours is technically illegal. This is rarely enforced unless a car is reported by a neighbor and there is a suspicion that the vehicle has been abandoned, but all the same, beware if you go on vacation.

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To reinforce law enforcement's efforts to provide safer roads for California motorists, the State enacted CVC Section 14602.6 which authorizes local agencies to tow and impound vehicles for 30 days when driven by unlicensed, suspended or revoked drivers.

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