A vehicle that remains parked in the same spot for several days, even if it is dirty or lacks valid documentation, is not automatically considered abandoned. The Local Police of Santa Cruz de Tenerife have explained the necessary conditions for this classification and their operational procedure.
According to the municipal force, aspects such as dirtiness, parking duration, or the absence of an ITV (vehicle inspection) or insurance, on their own, do not allow a vehicle to be declared abandoned. The Local Police must conduct thorough checks to determine the actual situation of each car.
State regulations establish that a vehicle is considered abandoned if it meets three conditions simultaneously: having been parked for more than a month in the same location, showing damage that prevents it from being moved, and not having been used during that period. Even if these requirements are met, established procedures must be followed before its removal.
On the other hand, the municipal ordinance of Santa Cruz distinguishes the situation of a vehicle parked for more than 10 days in the same spot. In this case, officers can propose a fine to the owner and initiate monitoring, but this does not imply a declaration of abandonment or immediate removal.
The Abandoned Vehicles Group (GRUVA) of the Local Police is responsible for processing and checks. The process includes vehicle inspection, file processing, and monitoring. Removal only occurs once legal requirements and deadlines are met. The police also warn that administrative duplications can prolong the process.
Citizens who detect a potentially abandoned vehicle can report it to the City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Options include using the SC Mejora application or notifying through municipal service and Electronic Office channels. The police emphasize the difference between a vehicle under monitoring and one officially declared abandoned.
