Collierville, TN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 93, the Abandoned, Wrecked, Dismantled or Inoperative Motor Vehicle Ordinance, defines a junked motor vehicle as one without a valid license plate lawfully affixed, or one that is wrecked, dismantled, inoperative, abandoned or discarded. Motor vehicle is defined broadly: automobiles, buses, motorcycles, scooters, trucks, tractors, go-carts, golf carts, campers and trailers. Under § 93.03, the presence of such a vehicle on any lot, tract or parcel, improved or unimproved, is a public nuisance, and it is unlawful to cause, maintain or permit it, whether on someone else's property or on your own. Only two carve-outs sit in § 93.03(B): a vehicle in a completely enclosed building, and one in a storage place the Town designates. Section 93.04 separately excludes operable vehicles adapted for racing on private drag strips or raceways, and vehicles kept for bona fide antique collection rather than salvage or transportation.

Enforcement runs on notice. Written notice goes to the occupant of the land, or to the owner or the owner's agent if there is no occupant. Under § 93.22 the Chief of Police must give notice at least ten days before the compliance deadline; posting a copy in a conspicuous place on the property plus duplicate copies by registered mail to the last known address is sufficient. The notice must warn that failure to comply means the Town or its designee will remove the vehicle at the owner's or occupant's cost. Under § 93.24 a written request for hearing must be filed within that ten day period, and § 93.25 requires at least three days' advance notice of the hearing time and place.

If the violation is not cured, or a hearing affirms it, the Chief of Police can take possession and remove the vehicle, and interfering with removal is unlawful. Within 48 hours the Chief must notify the registered owner and the property owner or occupant of the storage location and the removal costs. After ten days the vehicle is appraised: at $75 or less the Chief can dispose of it summarily, and above $75 a public sale is advertised not less than seven days ahead. An owner can redeem before sale or destruction by proving ownership and paying removal, advertising and storage costs, and unpaid costs become a lien on the property under § 93.32.