City Code - Vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I keep my car parked on the street in front of my home?

It must be driven at least one mile every five days.

Is it okay to repair my car on the street in front of my apartment/house?

No. Repair of vehicles is prohibited on the public right-of-way except in case of emergency.

The registration on my car expired 6 months ago, but I never drive it. Is it okay to leave the car parked on the street?

No. You may be subject to a $60 fine and the vehicle may be towed immediately.

Can I park a boat, trailer, or camper on the street in front of my home?

Not if it is unattached from a car, truck, van, or other motorized vehicle. In that case, it is subject to immediate removal and a $25 fine. Otherwise the "one mile every five-days" rule applies.

Didn't it used to be legal to run a motor repair business from my home?

It has never been legal to run a motor repair business, a motor vehicle salvage yard or any type of salvage yard from your home.

What number do I call to complain about 'big rigs' and abandoned vehicles?

For complaints about "big rigs," you may call the Vacaville Police Department at 449-5200.

Vehicle Violations

You play an important part in keeping our neighborhoods a place we enjoy living, and are proud to call home. The following explains important code requirements relating to you and your vehicles.

TOWING

• Vehicles being actively repaired on blocks, jacks or other support which are without tires, hoods, or with broken windows are not considered to be in working order. They may be towed away. 
• Vehicles parked on streets cannot have an expired registration or be in a Planned Non-Operating status (PNO).
• Must have a valid registration, and
• Cannot be inoperable (i.e., missing important parts, such as wheels, engine, doors, windows, fenders, transmission, radiator, etc).

ABANDONED VEHICLES

• A vehicle is considered "abandoned" when:
  • It has been parked on a road or other public property for five or more days in a row without being driven,
• Repeat Offender of Unattended or Abandoned Vehicle
  • When a vehicle is tagged more than once for the same violation, the time is reduced from five (5) days to three (3) days to correct the violation.  (CA State Limit) VMC 10.48.140

PARKING

• Vehicles may not be parked or kept on front lawns or unimproved surfaces.
• A vehicle that doesn't work may be parked in the driveway of a home on private property IF:
  1. It looks like a vehicle that could be safely driven on public streets,
     AND
  2. The driveway is made of an impervious surface, such as concrete, asphalt, brick, or fitted stone. These surfaces must be continuous-no concrete strips or bricks under vehicle tires,etc. 
• If your vehicle is registered, works, and is parked on public property, but you will be away on vacation or military duty, notify the City so we know the vehicle isn't abandoned. This will help avoid the vehicle being cited or towed.
  The City will try to check if you are on vacation or military duty before taking any action, however, you are still responsible for the vehicle. 
• Vehicles must not obstruct sidewalks.