1210. Unattended motor vehicle. (a) No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the vehicle, and effectively setting the brake thereon and, when standing upon any grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway, provided, however, the provision for removing the key from the vehicle shall not require the removal of keys hidden from sight about the vehicle for convenience or emergency.
(b) A driver may, for the purpose of getting away from the place of standing, move another vehicle which is so placed he cannot get his vehicle out; provided, however, that immediately thereafter he shall reset the brake and, if on a grade, turn the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway. This privilege is subject to the limitation set forth in subdivision (e) of section twelve hundred two.
(c) Towing agencies, which remove vehicles unlawfully parked on private property at request of the owner of the premises and without the written consent of the owner of the vehicle, shall immediately notify the local police station house having jurisdiction over the area where such vehicle was unlawfully parked, of the description of the car which was removed, and the time of removal.
Last modified: February 3, 2019