Clifton, NJ Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Clifton Code § 461-13.1B(10)
- Scope
- All zoning districts, all lots
- Repair shop cap
- 3 unregistered vehicles, 30 days max
- Minimum fine
- $100 per § 461-71B
- Maximum fine
- $1,250 per § 461-71A(1)
- Exempt uses
- Dealers, City tow lots, licensed repair shops
Summary
Clifton bans unregistered vehicles on any property, in every zoning district, under City Code Section 461-13.1B(10). The rule reaches driveways, yards and lots citywide, not just streets. Only new and used motor vehicle sales agencies, official City tow lots, and licensed auto repair shops are exempt, and repair shops may hold no more than three unregistered vehicles for up to 30 days for repair work.
No unregistered vehicles are permitted on any property in the City of Clifton, except for new and used motor vehicle sales agencies, official City tow lots, and licensed auto repair shops. Licensed auto repair shops shall be permitted to have an unregistered vehicle on its property for purposes of repair for a maximum of 30 days, and at no time shall the licensed auto repair shop have more than three unregistered vehicles on its property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4963532; v64 updated 2026-07-21; through 07-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
1B(10) draws no distinction between residential, business or industrial zones: a car, truck or trailer without current registration cannot sit on any lot in the city, whether parked in a driveway, a side yard or a rear yard. The chapter carves out three exceptions only: new and used motor vehicle sales agencies, official City tow lots, and licensed auto repair shops. Even the repair-shop exception is capped tightly: a licensed shop may keep an unregistered vehicle on its property for repair purposes for a maximum of 30 days, and may never have more than three unregistered vehicles on the lot at any one time.
A homeowner storing a car with expired plates, a project car, or an untagged trailer has no such exception and is in violation the moment the vehicle sits on the property. Enforcement runs through the City's Zoning Officer, who can order removal of the vehicle as a prohibited condition under Section 461-71E, a remedy that runs independently of any fine imposed.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Section 461-13.1 is enforced under the chapter-wide penalty at Section 461-71: a fine up to $1,250 and a minimum fine of $100, plus up to 90 days in jail or 90 days of community service. Each day the unregistered vehicle remains is a separate offense, and a repeat violation within one year draws an added fine. The Zoning Officer can also force removal of the vehicle regardless of any fine paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an unregistered car in my driveway in Clifton?
Is a licensed auto repair shop allowed to store unregistered cars?
What happens if I get caught with an unregistered vehicle on my property?
Does the ban apply to trailers and boats too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clifton
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Passaic County handle abandoned vehicles.