Aurora, CO Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- CRS 42-4-1806
- Time Threshold
- 72 hours
- Report
- 303-739-7280
- Tow Fee Range
- 200 dollars plus storage
Summary
Under CRS 42-4-1806 and Aurora City Code, a vehicle left on public property for more than 72 hours or on private property without permission for 72 hours is abandoned. Aurora tags, tows, and impounds abandoned vehicles.
42-4-1802. Definitions. As used in this part 18, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Abandoned motor vehicle" means: (a) Any motor vehicle left unattended on public property, including any portion of a highway right-of-way, outside the limits of any incorporated town or city for a period of forty-eight hours or longer; (b) Any motor vehicle left unattended on public property, including any portion of a highway right-of-way, within the limits of any incorporated town or city for a period longer than any limit prescribed by any local ordinance concerning the abandonment of motor vehicles or, if there is no such ordinance, for a period of forty-eight hours or longer;
Full Breakdown
Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-1806 defines an abandoned vehicle as one left on public property over 72 hours or on private property without consent for 72 hours or longer. Aurora follows this standard and adds requirements for vehicles in the front yard setback to be operable and properly registered under the UDO. Vehicles missing plates, tires, or an engine are considered inoperable and may be deemed abandoned or a nuisance regardless of location. Aurora Code Enforcement tags vehicles with a warning sticker; if not moved within 72 hours, the vehicle is towed to an impound lot. Owners must pay towing, storage, and administrative fees to reclaim the vehicle. Unclaimed vehicles are sold at public auction after the state-required notice period.
Violations & Fines
Abandoned vehicle fines start around 50 dollars plus towing (approx 200 dollars) and daily storage (approx 25 to 40 dollars). Inoperable vehicles visible from the street compound violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until a vehicle is abandoned in Aurora?
How do I report an abandoned car in Aurora?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
Compare Aurora to another location·View the Colorado parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Arapahoe County handle abandoned vehicles.