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Clarksville, TN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Open storage
Unlawful on any private property
Residential parking
Vehicle must be registered locally
Commercial lots
90 days, screened six feet
Street limit
72 hours, then $30 citation
Fine
Up to $50 per day

Summary

Clarksville forbids open storage of any inoperable motor vehicle on residential or commercial property, and a car parked at a home must be registered to the owner or occupant. On city streets, vehicles may sit only 72 hours.

It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of a residential/nonresidential building, structure, or premises to utilize the property for open storage of any inoperable motor vehicle, ice box, refrigerator, stove, glass, building material(s), building rubbish or similar items.

Source: City of Clarksville Code of OrdinancesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 110 Update 2 | Zoning Ordinance: Supplement 6).

Full Breakdown

Municipal Code § 4-602 defines an inoperable motor vehicle as one that cannot be driven on public streets, including unlicensed, wrecked, abandoned, or disrepaired vehicles, and adds that on residentially zoned property a vehicle must be currently registered to the owner or occupant to be parked or stored there. Section 4-603(g)(4)i makes open storage of such a vehicle unlawful and requires removal on notice from the housing official. Commercial lots and repair shops get 90 days, but must screen storage behind a six-foot wall or fence and keep an owner register.

Violations & Fines

Civil fine of up to $50.00 per day under § 4-601(h), with each day a separate offense. A street vehicle with no plate or expired decal draws a $30.00 parking citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a project car in my driveway?
Only if it is operable and currently registered to you as owner or occupant. Section 4-603(g)(4)i bars open storage of inoperable vehicles on residential property.
Does a tarp or cover solve the problem?
No. The code bars open storage, not visible storage. Clarksville Codes Enforcement also runs an inoperable vehicle registration process; contact codesenforcement@clarksvilletn.gov.
How long can a car sit on my street?
72 hours, unless a posted sign sets a shorter period. Parking Commission regulations set a $30.00 penalty, and fines double if unpaid after 30 days.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clarksville

All Clarksville rules

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