Abandoned Vehicles: Downers Grove vs Naperville
How do abandoned vehicles rules compare between Downers Grove, IL and Naperville, IL?
Naperville has fewer restrictions than Downers Grove.
Downers Grove, IL
DuPage County
Abandoning a vehicle on a highway or in public view in DuPage County is prohibited under 625 ILCS 5/4-201. The DuPage County Sheriff has primary jurisdiction outside the corporate limits of any city, village, or town. A vehicle abandoned on private property may be authorized for removal after a seven-day waiting period, or immediately if classified as a hazardous dilapidated motor vehicle.
View full Downers Grove rules →Naperville, IL
DuPage County
Naperville prohibits abandoned or inoperable vehicles on residential property and city streets. Vehicles must be operable, properly registered, and stored on improved surfaces. Code enforcement responds to complaints about junk vehicles.
View full Naperville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Downers Grove | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Registration | - | Must be current |
| Surface | - | Improved surface required |
| Condition | - | Must be operable |
| Enforcement | - | Code Enforcement Team |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Downers Grove FAQ
How long does a vehicle have to sit before it's considered abandoned in DuPage County?
Under 625 ILCS 5/4-201, a vehicle on private property may be authorized for removal after a 7-day waiting period — or immediately if it qualifies as a "hazardous dilapidated motor vehicle." Vehicles abandoned on highways or in public view may be removed sooner.
Who do I call about an abandoned vehicle on a DuPage County road?
If the vehicle is on a county road outside the limits of any city or village (i.e., in unincorporated DuPage), call the DuPage County Sheriff's Office at 630-682-7256. If the vehicle is inside a municipality, call that municipality's police department.
Can my neighbor's junked car on their driveway be towed?
Possibly. If the vehicle is abandoned in view of the general public (not solely on the owner's private property out of public view) and meets the statute's criteria, the sheriff may authorize removal after the 7-day waiting period. Hazardous dilapidated vehicles can be removed immediately.
Naperville FAQ
Can I keep a junk car in my yard in Naperville?
No. Inoperable or unregistered vehicles may not be stored in visible locations on residential property. They must be operable, registered, and on an improved surface.
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Naperville?
Contact Naperville Code Enforcement or the Police non-emergency line at (630) 420-6666 to report abandoned vehicles on streets or private property.
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