Section 5-2.01 of the Pacifica Municipal Code provides that no vehicle shall be parked upon any highway for a period exceeding 72 consecutive hours. Moving a short distance by rolling or pushing is not compliance.  

Any vehicle parked or left standing in the same location or parking spot for seventy-two (72) consecutive hours MUST BE MOVED AT LEAST ONE THOUSAND (1,000) FEET (APPROXIMATELY TWO-TENTHS (2/10) OF A MILE) FROM ITS CURRENT LOCATION  and may not return to within one thousand (1,000) feet (APPROXIAMETLY TWO-TENTHS (2/10) OF A MILE) of the same location or parking spot for at least twenty-four (24) hours after its departure. (Effective 10/15/25)

To report an abandoned vehicle, please call (650) 829-3939 and be prepared to provide the following information:

• Address where the vehicle is parked
• Color of vehicle
• Make/model of vehicle
• License plate number
• How long the vehicle has been parked without moving

*Please listen carefully to the information required to report an abandoned vehicle.  Missing information may cause the vehicle NOT to be marked.

Vehicles reported as abandoned or in violation of the 72 hour ordinance will be checked and marked by a Police Officer or Community Service Officer. Personnel will check on the vehicle after 72 hours to determine if it has been driven. Per contract terms with our tow companies, abandoned vehicles will not be towed on weekends.

To report an abandoned vehicle 24 hours a day, please call (650) 829-3939.