Montgomery County, MD Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Private-property limit
- 30 days (§ 26-9(a)(13))
- Public street limit
- 24 hours (§ 31-16)
- 'Abandoned vehicle' threshold
- 48 hours unattended (§ 31-1)
- Extensions
- Available under § 26-17A
- Enforcement
- Police / DOT impound authority, § 31-9
Summary
Montgomery County bars storing an inoperable or unregistered vehicle on residential property past 30 days and bans parking any vehicle on a county street for more than 24 hours.
"A person must not store any unused vehicle on residential property for more than 30 days unless a person living in the household has received an extension under Section 26-17A." (§ 26-9(a)(13)) / "The parking of motor vehicles and trailers upon the highways, roads and streets in the county for a period longer than twenty-four (24) hours is hereby prohibited..." (§ 31-16)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 26-9(a)(13) makes it unlawful to store an 'unused vehicle', one inoperable or not currently registered, on residential property for more than 30 days, unless a household member secures an extension under § 26-17A. Separately, § 31-16 caps on-street parking of any motor vehicle or trailer at 24 hours, and § 31-1 defines an 'abandoned vehicle' as one left unattended over 48 hours or illegally parked over 48 hours. Police and DOT-designated officers may impound violating vehicles under § 31-9.
Violations & Fines
Class B violation under Code § 1-19 (§ 31-67); each day is a separate offense. Impounded vehicles are towed and stored at owner expense, plus an administrative cost set by Council resolution before release.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a broken-down car sit in my driveway in Montgomery County?
Can I park a car on my street for a week while I'm traveling?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
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