Austin, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Austin enforces Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 (Abandoned Motor Vehicles) together with Austin City Code Chapter 12-5. A vehicle on public right-of-way is considered abandoned if it is inoperable and remains more than 48 hours, or operable and remains more than 7 days under conditions suggesting abandonment. Reports are submitted via Austin 311 (app or phone). Austin Police Vehicle Abatement officers tag the vehicle with a written notice, then return after the waiting period. If still present, the vehicle is towed to a city-contracted storage facility under Texas Transportation Code §683.011. Junked vehicles — wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled, or inoperable and stored on private property more than 30 days — are governed by Austin City Code Chapter 9-2 (Nuisance Abatement) and Texas Transp. Code §683.071. Austin Code Department gives at least 10 days written notice and the right to a public hearing before the city abates the vehicle. After a tow, the storage facility must mail certified notice to the registered owner; owners have 20 days to claim before the facility may apply for title and auction or salvage the vehicle.