FAQ

The California Vehicle Code states a vehicle is abandoned if it moves less than 1/10th of mile in a 72 hour period. If an officer determines a vehicle is abandoned, the vehicle will be towed. The Burlingame Police Department checks and tows abandoned vehicles Monday through Friday with the exceptions of holidays. On the first check, the officer will note the condition of the vehicle. 

In most cases, the second check takes place on the fourth day, or following Monday through Friday, after the first check. If it is determined that vehicle moved less than 1/10th of a mile the vehicle will be towed.

To report an abandoned vehicle, you can call our business line at 650-777-4100. The vehicle, in most cases, will be checked the next business day. You need to be prepared to provide the following information:

1. Your name, address, and phone number 
2. The location/address of the abandoned vehicle 
3. The make, model, color, and license plate of the abandoned vehicle

If you filed your police report with the Burlingame Police Department, you can contact the Records Department Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm (except holidays), at 650-777-4100 or come to the station located at 1111 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010.

You are required to bring a photo identification, complete a request for the report, and pay a fee: For current fees, refer to the Burlingame Master Fee Schedule.  We accept cash, checks drawn from a local bank, and Visa or Mastercard credit cards.

If you filed your police report with any other agency, you will need to contact that agency to request a copy of that report.

Due to being close to the San Francisco Airport, this can be a sensitive topic. Often times, your neighbors may be bothered by your friends and relatives storing a vehicle in front of your home while they fly out of town. The best way to handle this, is to either use the car to avoid it being defined as an abandoned vehicle, or store it in your driveway or garage.

Your vehicle will need to be validly registered and free of parking tickets. If you have registration issues, you will need to go to the DMV to register your vehicle. If you have parking tickets listed in the DMV's data base, which we have access to, you will need to clear your parking tickets through the DMV.

Once these two issues are cleared, you will need to come to the Burlingame Police Department, 1111 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010 with your valid identification to receive a vehicle release form. For current fees, refer to the Burlingame Master Fee Schedule. Once you receive the release, you will be directed to the tow yard storing your vehicle. Since the Burlingame Police contracts with towing agencies, you will need to pay towing and storage fees to the respective towing agency. Tow fees are approved by the Burlingame City Council, and are subject to change.

"During the first 12 months after you are licensed, you can not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and you can not transport passengers under age 20 unless you are accompanied by your licensed parent or guardian, a licensed driver 25 years of age or older or a licensed or certified driving instructor."

"The law allows the following exceptions when reasonable transportation is not available, and it is necessary for you to drive. A signed note must be kept in your possession for any of the following exceptions explaining the necessity to drive and the date when the driving necessity will end (except emancipated minors):

• Medical necessity to drive when reasonable transportation alternatives are inadequate. The note must be signed by a physician with the diagnosis and probable date of recovery.
• Schooling or school-authorized activity. The note must be signed by your school principal, dean, or designee.
• Employment necessity and the need to operate a vehicle as part of your employment. The note must be signed by your employer verifying employment.
• Your necessity to drive an immediate family member with both a physician’s note and a note signed by your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) stating the reason and probable end date of necessity.

City of Burlingame 
Department of Public Works – Traffic Engineer 
501 Primrose Road 
Burlingame, CA 94010

If you live in Burlingame, you can call the Burlingame Police Department at 650-777-4100 and request an officer be dispatched to your residence.  Please remember to dial 911 if it is an emergency. You can also come to the Burlingame Police Station in person to file a police report. The physical address is: 1111 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010.

If you live outside the City of Burlingame but wish to report a crime that occurred in the City of Burlingame, you must respond in person to the Burlingame Police Station to file a police report.

• 1st day of January (New Years Day)
• 3rd Monday of January (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
• 3rd Monday of February (President's Day)
• Last Monday of May (Memorial Day)
• 4th day of July (The 4th of July)
• 1st Monday of September (Labor Day)
• 2nd Monday of October (Columbus Day)
• 11th day of November (Veterans Day)
• 4th Thursday of November (Thanksgiving Day)
• 25th day of December (Christmas Day) 

You will get your bicycle license by coming to the Burlingame Police Department and completing an application (there is no cost and you get the license as soon as you turn in the completed application).  You will need to know the type of bicycle, the make, the model, the speed, the year, the color or colors, and any other distinguishing marks for this application.

PCRC seeks to solve problems through cooperative mediation. The staff of PCRC are facilitators and communication trainers. Through its mediation programs, PCRC staff and volunteers help clients identify problems, clarify perspectives and concerns, develop viable options, and reach durable and mutually satisfactory agreements.  PCRC services empower people, build relationships, and reduce violence.

Additional information involving PCRC can be located at http://www.pcrcweb.org/.  You may contact them at info@pcrcweb.org or by calling 650-513-0330.