Massachusetts law allows removal of vehicles abandoned on public ways after 72 hours. Boston enforces through its Transportation Department with towing to city-contracted lots.
MGL c. 90 Section 22C establishes the 72-hour threshold for abandoned vehicles on public ways. Boston's Transportation Department enforces abandoned vehicle removal through marked tagging and subsequent towing. Vehicles are tagged with a notice and given 72 hours before towing. MGL c. 266 Section 120D governs towing from private property, requiring police notification before removal. Towed vehicles are stored at city-contracted lots with daily storage fees. Vehicle owners are liable for all towing and storage charges.
Vehicles abandoned over 72 hours on public ways are tagged and towed. Owners responsible for towing and storage fees. Unclaimed vehicles may be auctioned after statutory holding period.
Boston, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Suffolk County.
See how other cities in Suffolk County handle abandoned vehicles.
See how Boston's abandoned vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
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