Abandoned Vehicles

Abandoned Vehicle Along a County Road

If a vehicle is abandoned on a County-maintained road, in the County right-of-way, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will arrange to have the vehicle removed. Anyone concerned about such a vehicle should report it to the local CHP office. 

There are three California Highway Patrol offices which serve Placer County:

  • Auburn Office - From the Placer County line in Roseville east to Canyon Way, call 916-663-3344
  • Gold Run Office - From Canyon Way east to Donner Summit, call 530-389-2205
  • Truckee Office - From the summit east to the neighboring county or state line, call 530-563-9200

Abandoned Vehicle on Private Property

If the vehicle is abandoned on the property of the person reporting it, Code Compliance Services handles removal. A Vehicle Abatement Request Form needs to be submitted by the property owner. Code Compliance staff also try to contact the legal owner of the vehicle, as identified by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The abatement process typically takes 45 to 60 days.

If the vehicle is not on the property of the person reporting it, a Complaint Form is required. Once the Form is submitted to the Code Compliance Services, staff begins the investigation process. County staff cannot remove a vehicle from one person's property simply because someone else asks for the removal. They work with the property owner to determine if there is a code violation, and if so, to resolve the situation.

Abandoned Vehicle in a City

If the abandoned vehicle is located within city limits, you should contact the city. Two exceptions to this are the City of Colfax and the Town of Loomis, which have arranged for Code Compliance to handle abandoned vehicles. Phone numbers for the city offices are indicated below:

  • City of Auburn: 530-823-4211
  • City of Lincoln: 916-645-3314
  • City of Rocklin: 916-632-4000
  • City of Roseville Police Department: 916-774-5000, extension 1

Questions?

If you have further questions, contact Code Compliance Services at 530-745-3050.