Bethel, CT Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 106, Vehicles, Abandoned, adopted by Town Meeting on 9-21-1978, makes it unlawful for any owner, occupant, lessee, agent or tenant of private property in Bethel to store or deposit an abandoned, junked, discarded or unlicensed motor vehicle on that land, under § 106-3(A). The chapter defines those terms broadly: 'unlicensed' covers a vehicle unregistered for at least 30 days past its last valid licensing (except dealer or repair-shop inventory), and 'junked' covers any vehicle that would cost more to repair than it's worth. Section 106-3(B) carves out two exceptions: vehicles under a covered structure approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer, or being privately repaired or restored, are allowed for up to 90 days before the owner needs an extension from the Board of Selectmen, and genuine antique or classic cars listed by the Antique Automobile Club of America are exempt entirely.

Enforcement starts with the Director of Public Works serving written notice, personally or by mail to the address on the current tax rolls, under § 106-4. If the vehicle isn't removed within 20 days of that notice, § 106-5 lets the Town enter the property and remove it, with the removal cost becoming a lien on the property. Beyond the removal cost, § 106-6 makes any violation of the chapter punishable, upon conviction, by a fine of not less than $100.