ARS 28-871 sets stopping and parking rules in Arizona. It does not itself authorize a tow off your driveway. Phoenix treats driveway blocking through the abandoned vehicle track.

What the statute does and does not do

  • ARS 28-871 says you cannot stop, park, or leave a vehicle on a part of the highway where it blocks traffic or a driveway.
  • The statute names the prohibition. It does not give you or a tow operator the authority to remove the car.
  • Removing a car from your driveway is the abandoned vehicle or the private property (non consent) tow process under ARS 28-4801 and ARS 9-499.05.

What counts as abandoned (ARS 28-4801)

  • 48 hours in a highway right of way.
  • 72 hours on public or private property.
  • ADOT does not tow. Law enforcement arranges removal.

What to do if a car is blocking your Phoenix driveway

  • Document with photos: the car, the plate, the obstruction, the time.
  • File a non emergency police report. Phoenix Police non emergency: (602) 262-6151.
  • If the car has been there long enough to meet the 48 or 72 hour threshold, ask for it to be tagged as abandoned.
  • If you are a property owner and the car sits on your property, you can clear it with Abandoned Vehicle Application Form 46-4402 (a $10 non refundable filing) after the vehicle has been on your property more than 10 days.

What a tower cannot do

  • A tower cannot self help a car off your driveway without satisfying the ARS 9-499.05 sign requirements and the ARS 28-4836 one hour police notice.
  • A tower that does so forfeits all charges and commits a class 1 misdemeanor.

For the impound release path and the yard location, see our Phoenix impound guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a stranger’s car towed from my driveway?

Not by yourself. ARS 28-871 makes blocking a driveway illegal, but the removal still goes through the abandoned vehicle process or a compliant non consent tow. A tower that self helps forfeits all charges under ARS 28-4836.

How long does the car need to sit before it is abandoned?

48 hours in a highway right of way, 72 hours on public or private property (ARS 28-4801).

Does Phoenix Police come out for a blocked driveway?

Yes, for a non emergency report. Phoenix Police non emergency: (602) 262-6151. The car is not removed on the first call unless it meets a separate impound trigger.

What is the form to clear an abandoned car from my property?

Form 46-4402 (Abandoned Vehicle Application), filed with MVD. The filing fee is $10 and is not refundable. MVD then notifies the owner and lienholder, who have 30 days to reclaim.

What if the car is in my assigned apartment spot?

That is a private property tow under ARS 9-499.05 and Phoenix City Code 36-144. Your apartment manager handles the tow, not you. See how to tow a car off private property.