Dallas County, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- TX Transportation Code Ch. 683
- Nuisance Law
- TX HSC Chapter 343
- Enforcement
- Dallas County DUAS
- Threshold
- 48 hrs on public property
Summary
TX Transportation Code Chapter 683 governs abandoned and junked vehicles statewide. TX HSC Chapter 343 declares junk vehicles within 300 ft of a residence a public nuisance. Dallas County DUAS enforces nuisance abatement for inoperable vehicles in unincorporated areas.
Sec. 683.002. ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE. (a) For the purposes of this chapter, a motor vehicle is abandoned if the motor vehicle: (1) is inoperable, is more than five years old, and has been left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours; (2) has remained illegally on public property for more than 48 hours; (3) has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in charge of the property for more than 48 hours; (4) has been left unattended on the right-of-way of a designated county, state, or federal highway for more than 48 hours.
Full Breakdown
Abandoned and junked vehicles in unincorporated Dallas County are regulated under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 343. A junked vehicle (inoperable, wrecked, or dismantled with expired or no license plate) visible from a public street or within 300 feet of a residence is a public nuisance per TX HSC Section 343.011. Dallas County Department of Unincorporated Area Services (DUAS) enforces nuisance abatement, including removal of junked vehicles. Law enforcement may take custody of abandoned vehicles on public property after 48 hours per TX Transportation Code Section 683.002. The county can abate the nuisance and assess costs to the property owner if violations are not corrected after notice.
Violations & Fines
TX Transportation Code Ch. 683: Class C misdemeanor. County nuisance abatement with cost assessment to property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a vehicle 'abandoned' in unincorporated Dallas County?
Can I keep an inoperable vehicle on my private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas County to another location·View the Texas parking rules overview
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