Brown County, WI Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Abandonment threshold
- 48 hours unattended without owner permission
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated towns of Brown County only
- Storage before sale
- 10 days after certified-mail notice
- First-offense fine
- $10 to $200
- Second-offense fine (12 months)
- $25 to $400
Summary
Brown County, WI gives Sheriff's deputies authority to tow any vehicle left unattended over 48 hours in the unincorporated towns, treating it as a public nuisance subject to impoundment and sale.
13.02 JURISDICTION. This chapter shall apply in the unincorporated areas of Brown County. 13.03 VEHICLE ABANDONMENT PROHIBITED. No person shall leave unattended any motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer or mobile home on any public highway or public or private property in the unincorporated areas of Brown County... When any such vehicle has been left unattended... without permission of the property owner for more than 48 hours, the vehicle is deemed abandoned and constitutes a public nuisance.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 13 of the Brown County Code of Ordinances lets any police officer or county Sheriff's deputy remove a motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer or mobile home abandoned on public or private property in Brown County's unincorporated towns: when left unattended without the owner's permission for more than 48 hours it is deemed abandoned and a public nuisance. The vehicle is impounded, and if not reclaimed within 10 days after certified-mail notice to the owner and lienholders, the Sheriff's office may sell it at auction or private sale, or junk it. This chapter applies only outside Green Bay, De Pere, Ashwaubenon and the county's other incorporated cities and villages, which enforce their own vehicle codes.
Violations & Fines
First offense fines run $10 to $200; a second violation within 12 months carries $25 to $400, plus towing, storage and disposal costs the owner must repay to Brown County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside Green Bay or De Pere?
How long before an abandoned vehicle can be towed?
What happens if the owner never claims the vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brown County
Compare Brown County to another location·View the Wisconsin parking rules overview
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