The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Plumas County District Attorney’s Office, Plumas County Code Enforcement, Plumas County Public Works, Plumas County Facility Services, and City of Portola Code Enforcement, will be conducting a collaborative vehicle abatement operation on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Purpose of the Operation
Plumas County has experienced an increase in abandoned vehicles left on public streets, rights-of-way, public parking areas, and within the national forest. These vehicles create safety hazards, limit accessibility, and make our communities and natural lands look like salvage yards. This multi-agency effort is intended to restore safety and cleanliness to our roadways and public spaces.
What Will Happen
- ● Abandoned vehicles and vehicles with registration expired more than six months will be towed from public streets, rights-of-way, and public lands.
- ● Registered or legal owners of these vehicles may be cited and held financially responsible for towing and storage costs.
- ● Owners may also be required to appear in court for related parking or traffic violations.
- ● In certain cases, individuals may face criminal liability.
Important: If you sold a vehicle but failed to file a DMV release of liability, you may still be held responsible for its removal and associated fees.
What This Operation Is Not
This effort is not an opportunity for residents to dispose of unwanted vehicles by moving them into the
street or onto public land. Privately owned vehicles on private property are not included.
If you wish to dispose of an unwanted vehicle from your property, please contact a recognized removal or donation service such as:
- ● Cars for Kids or other charitable programs
- ● Licensed dismantlers or tow services that provide free pickup for qualifying vehicles
How the Public Can Help
- ● Ensure your vehicles are properly registered and legally parked.
- ● File a release of liability immediately upon selling a vehicle.
- ● Report truly abandoned vehicles on public property to your local law enforcement or code
enforcement agency. - ● Properly dispose of unwanted vehicles and trash through lawful and environmentally responsible
means.
Questions & Contact Information
For questions about this operation or abandoned vehicle procedures, please contact the Plumas County
Sheriff’s Office at (530) 283-6375.
Together, we can improve public safety, maintain accessibility, and keep Plumas County a clean and
beautiful place to live, work, and visit.
Visit us online at plumascounty.us and follow us on Facebook ###
