Living in Los Angeles means every inch of curb space matters. When an RV ends up parked on the street—whether because of driveway constraints, mechanical failure, or changing plans—it quickly becomes more than an eyesore.
Local ordinances impose strict limits on how long recreational vehicles can occupy public streets, and overstaying those limits can lead to mounting fines, impound fees, and the headache of navigating city bureaucracy. If you’re asking yourself how to reclaim your curb without breaking the bank or risking legal trouble, keep reading.
Understanding Los Angeles RV Parking Regulations
The Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 80.73.2 makes it unlawful to park any vehicle, including RVs, on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours; once you exceed that limit, each additional day is a new infraction under LAMC 89.60.
Beyond the 72-hour rule, LAMC 80.69 empowers the Department of Transportation to post “No Parking” or street-sweeping schedules. Parking during those posted hours or in designated tow-away zones carries a $73 fine per violation and can result in immediate towing.
Certain residential streets are further classified as Oversize Vehicle Restricted Areas under the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Section 80.69.4. In those zones, RVs (over 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, or 7 1/2 feet high) may not park between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. without displaying a $10-per-day permit, which is valid for up to three days. A first-offense oversized-vehicle violation is $73, with repeat penalties increasing to $146 and $171. Other posted restrictions—such as red-curb “No Stopping” zones—typically incur a $93 fine for a first offense.
Once your RV is tagged, the city may tow it to an Official Police Garage. According to the latest fee schedule, the impound charge is $136.50, daily storage is $42.50, and there is a mandatory $115 vehicle release fee. This means that just two days in impound can push your total well over $300.
How to Avoid RV Parking Fines in Los Angeles
To steer clear of costly citations, start by monitoring the 72-hour parking rule and any posted street-sweeping or tow-away signs. Setting calendar alerts on your phone for when your RV’s legal street time is about to expire can save you from a surprise ticket.
Whenever possible, arrange off-street storage—whether that means renting driveway space from a neighbor, stashing your RV at a local storage facility, or securing a permit in Oversize Vehicle Restricted Areas for as little as $10 per day.
Finally, make it a habit to inspect your RV’s parked position each morning; a quick walk around the block ensures you spot any newly posted restrictions or street-sweeping notices before they translate into a fine.
These proactive steps help you stay compliant with LAMC Sections 80.73.2 and 80.69, preventing most city-enforced fines at the source.
If you’ve decided you won’t be using your RV again, the most foolproof way to avoid all future parking headaches is to sell your junk RV outright. As a premier junk RV buyer, HeyRV pays cash for junk RVs in Los Angeles, offering free junk RV removal and no paperwork hassle.
Evaluating Your RV Removal and Disposal Options in LA
When it comes to clearing your street-parked RV, you essentially have five routes:
- Relocate to Private Property. You can move your RV into a driveway, a friend’s yard, or a rented storage lot. While this keeps you in compliance, it often means signing monthly contracts, paying storage fees, or wrangling limited space, especially in high-demand areas of Los Angeles.
- Donate to Charity. Donating your RV can yield a tax deduction, but most nonprofits require a running vehicle and expect you to arrange pickup. If you’re hoping for a quick turnaround, coordinating with a charity’s schedule and logistics can add unexpected delays.
- Sell to a Salvage Yard. Traditional salvage yards base their offers on weight and scrap-metal value, frequently resulting in the lowest possible payout. You’ll also need to handle—and pay for—the tow yourself, making the process more of a hassle than a solution.
- Report as Abandoned. Filing an abandoned-vehicle report with the city forces LA to tow your RV, but you still owe all associated fines, impound fees, and daily storage costs. Moreover, waiting for the city to process and remove the vehicle can take weeks.
- Sell Your Junk RV to HeyRV. As a specialized junk RV buyer, HeyRV assesses your rig for salvageable parts, resale potential, and scrap value to deliver a fair cash offer. Once you accept, we provide free junk RV removal and pay you instantly—no hidden fees, no towing costs, and no drawn-out negotiations.
Each option has its own trade-offs between cost, time, and convenience. Whether you need a short-term parking fix or want to eliminate all future RV headaches, understanding these five paths will help you choose the best way to reclaim your curb space—and, if you opt for HeyRV, put cash for junk RVs directly into your pocket!
Why HeyRV Is Your Top Junk RV Buyer in LA
HeyRV isn’t just a local buyer—it’s a nationwide network that stretches from the sun-soaked highways of California and the sprawling plains of Texas to the humid roads of Florida, the forests of Oregon, and the urban corridors of New York. No matter where your RV sits, we’re ready to pay cash for junk RVs with the same speed and professionalism.
When you choose HeyRV, you’re working with experts who handle every detail on your behalf. After you accept our competitive quote, often well above scrap-yard rates, our team will arrive at your curb and remove your junk RV for free. We take care of all paperwork, from title transfers and lien releases to local permit requirements, so you never have to navigate complex DMV or city regulations alone.
We buy all types of recreational vehicles, whether it’s a motorhome, travel trailer, pop-up camper, or fifth-wheel. From paperwork complications to severe damage, HeyRV sees value where others see scrap. Here are just a few of the conditions we regularly purchase:
- RVs and trailers with a salvage title
- RVs flooded by storms or rising waters
- Campers involved in accidents or collisions
- Units suffering from electrical or mechanical issues
- Wrecked, crashed, or fire-damaged RVs
- Old, high-mileage, or otherwise outdated models
- Fifth-wheels, toy haulers, and pop-ups that are non-operational
If your vehicle falls into any of these categories—or has other issues you think make it “unsellable”—we’re still interested. HeyRV offers instant cash quotes, free towing, and handles all the paperwork so you can turn your unwanted RV into money today.
Environmental and Legal Responsibilities
Under California law, disposing of an RV requires strict adherence to environmental regulations governing automotive fluids, hazardous materials, and the recycling of end-of-life vehicles. State and federal guidelines mandate that fuel, engine oil, coolant, and sewage be drained and processed at certified facilities to prevent soil and water contamination. Improper disposal carries steep fines and potential legal action, placing full liability on the vehicle owner.
When you sell your junk RV to HeyRV, you can rest easy knowing we handle every step of the process. Our certified partners handle fluid removal, part salvage, and hazardous waste recycling in full compliance with all regulations. We prepare and file any necessary paperwork—title transfers, lien releases, and environmental manifests—so you never have to navigate complex DMV or municipal requirements.
Ready to Sell Your Junk RV in Los Angeles?
Leaving an RV on a public street in Los Angeles isn’t just inconvenient—it’s expensive, risky, and often legally complicated. From escalating fines to impound fees, keeping a junk RV parked outside can become a costly mistake.
HeyRV provides a profitable alternative to simply letting your RV go to waste! Our process is fast, professional, and completely hands-off: we handle the paperwork, towing, and environmental compliance from start to finish. If you’re ready to clear the curb and get paid while doing it, contact HeyRV today and request a no-obligation quote!
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re facing citations, storage dilemmas, or just trying to do the right thing, getting rid of a junk RV on a Los Angeles street raises plenty of questions. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns not covered in the main article.
Can I get fined even if my RV isn’t running?
Yes. The Los Angeles Municipal Code applies regardless of vehicle condition. If your RV is parked too long or in a restricted zone, you’re still subject to fines and possible towing—even if it’s immobile.
What if the RV isn’t mine? Can I still arrange for removal?
If the RV is not in your name, you’ll need either ownership documentation or written authorization from the owner. In the case of abandoned vehicles, you may need to go through the city’s formal reporting process.
Does LA offer any grace periods for RV owners?
Not really. Once the 72-hour clock starts or you’re in a permit-restricted zone, violations can occur quickly. There’s no formal grace period, especially once the vehicle has been tagged.
Can I remove the license plates to avoid getting towed?
No. Tampering with or removing identifying information may be illegal and won’t protect you from citations or enforcement. It could even accelerate action by authorities.
Is selling to a junk RV buyer really faster than other disposal options?
Absolutely. While donation programs, private sales, and city removal can take weeks, HeyRV aims to finalize the transaction (both pick-up and payment) in as little as a few days. Depending on your location, we could even arrange same-day pickup!
How do I get paid when I sell my junk RV to you?
HeyRV provides flexible payment options—cash, check, or Venmo – delivered at the time of pickup, so you never wait for funds to clear.
Can I sell my junk RV without a clear title?
A clear title speeds up the sale, but we often accept alternative documentation such as registration, a bill of sale, or lien release. Our team will guide you through any additional steps.
Are there any fees I should expect?
No. HeyRV covers all towing, environmental handling, and disposal costs. The amount we quote is the exact amount you receive—no surprise charges.
Do you buy RVs in any condition?
Absolutely. HeyRV specializes in paying cash for junk RVs of all types and conditions, from non-running motorhomes to heavily damaged trailers and fifth-wheels. If your RV has a salvage title, no title at all, or was involved in an accident, we’ll consider it!
