Acworth, GA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Article II of Chapter 52, 'Disabled Vehicles,' adopted by Ordinance No. 97-016 on September 18, 1997, defines a 'disabled vehicle' in Section 52-36 as one dismantled in whole or in part or mechanically unable to operate because of a defect or malfunction, or one that is not currently licensed or cannot be licensed for use on city streets or state waterways; missing minor parts like antennas or hubcaps does not count. An unlicensed vehicle held on a licensed dealer's sales lot, or one stored at a commercially zoned, properly permitted auto repair shop, is excluded from the definition.

Section 52-37 makes it unlawful to permit any disabled vehicle to be parked, placed or left within the city, and Section 52-38 bars disabled vehicles from rights-of-way of streets, alleys or highways altogether, though towing is exempted; an owner gets a reasonable time, capped at 48 hours from the time of disability, to remove or service a vehicle disabled by an accident or sudden breakdown, provided it is not a hazard. Section 52-39 goes further and bars keeping a disabled vehicle, or any part of one, in the front, side or rear yard of any parcel unless it sits inside a fully enclosed garage or structure, and separately bans tearing down, stripping or junking a vehicle anywhere except a location zoned and licensed for that business.

Section 52-40 lets the municipal court order a vehicle removed by the city on top of any fine, with removal costs added to the court judgment.