The California Highway Patrol's (CHP) Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Program was designed to provide guidance to counties who wish to develop and administer AVA Authorities. The AVA Program is recognized as a means to remove abandoned vehicles that create a public nuisance and a health or safety hazard. Currently, there are thirty-seven counties in the State of California participating in the AVA program. Additional counties continue to request sample plans to develop local plans in conformance with the AVA guidelines.

Research and Planning Section will assist any county that has or wishes to initiate an AVA Program. The Department's role is limited to providing guidelines, assistance and advice to the counties' AVA Authorities, and assisting them with interpretation of codes and policies.  

Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Handbook

The purpose of this handbook is to provide uniform guidelines for the establishment of Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Plans being developed by Service Authorities which have been established pursuant to Section 22710 California Vehicle Code (VC) and funded pursuant to Section 9250.7 VC.

The objective is to aid county-based Service Authorities with the development of the required Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Plans.

Inquiries regarding this publication or the Statewide AVA Program should be directed to:

California Highway Patrol
Research and Planning Section
P.O. Box 942898
Sacramento, California, 94298-0001
(916) 843-3340

Frequently Asked Questions