Vehicle Abatement
Abandoned vehicles are an unsightly, and many times a hazardous nuisance. The Arcata Police Department works to remove these vehicles as we become aware of them. 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 any abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperable vehicle on private property in public view.
Citizens report abandoned vehicles to us on a regular basis. Many of them are moved after we make contact with the owners. Many others are towed and ultimately crushed. To report an abandoned vehicle during office hours call 707-822-2428. If you need to report an abandoned vehicle outside of office hours, please call 707-822-2424.