How To Get Rid Of Rv Parked On Street Los Angeles
How to Ditch That Monster RV Parked on Your LA Street: A Neighbor's Hilarious Guide
Yo, listen up! Is there a gigantic, motorized marshmallow (aka an RV or Recreational Vehicle) chilling on your street in Los Angeles like it owns the place? Is it hogging a primo parking spot, giving your street a weird "permanent vacation" vibe, or just generally being a massive eyesore? We get it. It’s a total buzzkill. Dealing with oversized vehicles parked long-term in residential areas is a classic LA struggle, but don't sweat it. You don't need a superhero cape, just a simple plan. This guide is your secret weapon, full of steps to politely, but firmly, encourage that behemoth to roll on out. We’re going to be all about sticking to the official rules, because nobody wants drama.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational and comical purposes only! Always follow official city and police guidelines and be super respectful to everyone.
Step 1: Become a Parking Law Nerd (It's Cooler Than It Sounds)
Before you dial any numbers, you gotta know the rules of the road. In LA, parking laws for Oversize Vehicles (which is what a lot of RVs are) can be a bit of a maze, but let's break it down to the main jams.
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| How To Get Rid Of Rv Parked On Street Los Angeles |
1.1. Figure Out the Vehicle’s Vibe
Is it "Oversize"? The City of Los Angeles often defines an "Oversize Vehicle" as a motor vehicle that is over 22 feet in length or over 7 feet (84 inches) in height. Most RVs fit this bill. If it looks like a house on wheels, it probably counts.
Is it "Dwelling"? LA also has rules against Vehicle Dwelling (using a car, trailer, or RV as a residence, especially overnight, in certain zones). This is a whole different level, but for parking enforcement, focus on the 'oversize' and 'time' rules first.
1.2. Check the Forbidden Hours
In many residential parts of Los Angeles, Oversize Vehicles are straight-up prohibited from parking on the street between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. This is the golden hour of enforcement. Check your specific street for posted signs that clearly indicate this restriction. If the sign says "No Parking 2 AM - 6 AM Oversize Vehicles," then you, my friend, have a clear-cut violation on your hands.
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
1.3. The 72-Hour Rule (The "Abandoned" Angle)
Even if it’s a regular-sized car, or an RV parked legally during the day, the general rule in LA is that no vehicle can be parked or stored on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours without being moved. This is the "abandoned vehicle" rule. So, if the RV hasn’t budged for three days and three nights, it’s fair game for a report! Start a little log on your phone or a notepad to track the date and time you first saw it—this evidence is key.
Step 2: Make the Report (Your Secret Agent Move)
Okay, you’ve confirmed the violation. Now it's time to call in the cavalry! But who do you call? This is where being a parking-law expert really pays off. You want to contact the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) or the LAPD non-emergency line.
2.1. Call or Click: The MyLA311 Lifeline
This is your best bet. MyLA311 is the City of LA's super-easy system for reporting non-emergency stuff.
Dial 311 (within LA City limits) or (213) 473-3231.
Alternatively, use the MyLA311 App (it's free and lets you submit photos!) or the website.
When reporting, be clear. Select: "Parking Enforcement" then specify the violation (e.g., "Oversize Vehicle Restriction" or "Abandoned Vehicle - Over 72 Hours").
You’ll need the street address (or cross streets), the vehicle’s description (make, model, color), and, if possible, the license plate number. The more details you have, the faster they can send a traffic officer.
2.2. The 'Abandoned Vehicle' Shortcut
If the RV hasn't moved for three days (or more!), you can report it specifically as an abandoned vehicle by calling the LADOT Abandoned Vehicle Hotline at 1-800-222-6366 (1-800-ABANDON). This gets the tow truck folks involved on a different track.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
2.3. Be the "Zen Master" of Patience
Once you submit the report, you might think the RV will disappear in a flash of smoke. Spoiler Alert: This is LA, not a magic show. Enforcement takes time. A traffic officer has to come out, check the violation, and often they'll tag the vehicle first (like a warning ticket), giving the owner a few days to move it before a tow can be authorized. You might need to call back and follow up. Keep your confirmation number from the 311 report!
Step 3: Neighborhood Watch Level-Up (Keep it Friendly)
While you wait for the system to do its thing, you can level up your neighborhood game. Remember, no need to be confrontational. We are being diplomatic ninjas.
3.1. Talk to the Crew
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Chat with your immediate neighbors. Are they also bugged by the RV? Strength in numbers! If multiple people report the same vehicle, it might get prioritized. Just make sure everyone is reporting based on the actual law (oversize hours, 72-hour limit), not just because they don't like the color.
3.2. Community Power-Up
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
If you live in a district with a Neighborhood Council, drop a line to their board members or attend a meeting. Local community leaders often have direct contacts with LAPD Senior Lead Officers or City Council staffers who can put a little extra steam on persistent issues. Be polite, factual, and focused on the safety/traffic issue.
Step 4: Follow Up and Be Persistent (The Endgame)
The key to victory is persistence. If the RV is still there after a week, don’t just give up and start knitting it a tiny little RV cover.
4.1. Ping the City Again
Use your confirmation number and call 311 again. "Hey, I reported this RV on [Date] with case number [XXXXXX]. It's still here and hasn't moved/is still violating the overnight restriction. Can I get an update on the enforcement timeline?" You are now a seasoned pro. They’ll appreciate the specific info.
4.2. Notice the New Spot
Sometimes, an RV owner will just move the vehicle 50 feet down the street to reset the 72-hour clock or the patrol route. If they do this, the violation starts all over again from the moment it parks in the new spot. You have to be ready to restart your 72-hour tracking and reporting process. It's annoying, but you're in it to win it!
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
FAQ: Getting the Deets
How to find out if my street has the Oversize Vehicle parking restriction signs?
Walk your street and look for official signs that say "No Parking 2 AM to 6 AM Oversize Vehicles." You can also check the LADOT website for street-by-street restrictions.
How to report an RV without calling 311?
Use the MyLA311 mobile app or the MyLA311 website to submit a service request online, which often lets you include a photo.
How to prove an RV hasn't moved in 72 hours?
Take a photo with a date/timestamp or jot down a notepad log noting the exact location (like "front tire is lined up with the neighbor's mailbox") and the date/time, then check it 72 hours later.
How to contact my local LAPD Senior Lead Officer?
Visit the LAPD website and search for your neighborhood. Your Senior Lead Officer's contact information (phone and email) is usually listed there.
How to know if a vehicle is truly "abandoned"?
An abandoned vehicle hasn't moved for over 72 hours and often shows signs of neglect, like flat tires, excessive dust, or missing parts. Focus on the 72-hour rule for quick reporting.
How to deal with an RV that is leaking fluids or dumping waste?
This is a more serious public health concern. Report it immediately to 311 as a public health violation, as well as a parking issue.
How to find my LA City Council District representative?
Go to the City of Los Angeles website and use the "Find Your Council District" tool by entering your address.
How to report an RV blocking my driveway?
This is an immediate tow situation. Call the LADOT Parking Enforcement Dispatch Center right away at (213) 485-4184 or (818) 374-4823 (24/7 lines) and select the blocked driveway option.
How to get a copy of the specific LA Municipal Code (LAMC) section?
Search online for "Los Angeles Municipal Code 80.69.4" (for Oversize Vehicles) or "LAMC 85.02" (for vehicle dwelling) to read the full, official text.
How to make sure my complaint is taken seriously?
Be calm, factual, and persistent. Always provide the exact location, license plate number, color, and make of the vehicle, and cite the specific violation (e.g., "Oversize Vehicle parking between 2 AM and 6 AM").
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