Abandoned Vehicle Abatement
Online Abatement Request
Who can file a complaint?
Anyone who believes a vehicle is abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative, where the vehicle constitutes a public nuisance on private property. Vehicle components can also qualify as "abandoned."
How do I file a complaint, and what information will be needed?
Be prepared to give the call taker the address/location of the abandoned vehicle (or parts), the vehicle(s) description, and the length of time the problem has existed.
- Contact the AVA Officer at (530) 225-4296.
- Submit a complaint online.
- E-mail questions or comments to: Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program
Am I required to identify myself when filing a complaint?
Your complaint can be confidential, however, we prefer to have your name and telephone number so we can contact you in an attempt to satisfy all parties involved.
Who will investigate my complaint?
An Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Officer from the Redding Police Department will respond, when available, to give a tow away warning notice.
What will happen after I make a complaint?
An officer will respond to evaluate the vehicle and issue the appropriate warning.
A yellow or orange tag will be placed on the vehicle advising the owner of the vehicle of the complaint and the amount of time they will be given to comply. In most cases a 120-hour or 5-day warning will be issued.
Sometime after the time is up on the complaint, the officer will respond back to ensure that the vehicle is now in compliance. If it is not in compliance, in most cases the vehicle will be towed at that time.
What needs to be done with the vehicle/parts to avoid having it towed?
Once a tow-away warning has been issued the folloiwng must be completed within the time frame specified on the tow-away warning:
- The vehicle must be made operational or moved from the location as specified on the warning tag, or
- Stored inside a building as specified on the warning tag.
Can someone fight a tow away warning?
Yes. If you have received a tow away warning, contact the investigating officer and let him/her know what you plan to do with the vehicle(s) or parts. In some cases an extension of time may be granted.
Who pays for the removal of the vehicle?
There is no cost to the property owner or vehicle owner. The Redding Police Department, as a service to the community, will take care of the removal of the vehicle and the paperwork for DMV. If the vehicle is not claimed by the registered owner, the vehicle will be junked and there will be no liability to the registered owner.
In cases where we are removing vehicles from private property, we will request a signature, but again this will be a service by the Redding Police Department and will be no cost to you.