Colorado Springs, CO Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Time Threshold
- 48 hours unattended
- Registration
- Must be current within 60 days
- Warning Tag
- 72 hours to cure
- Tow Fees
- 200 to 400 dollars plus storage
- Report
- COS 311 or CSPD non-emergency
Summary
Colorado Springs defines abandoned vehicles under City Code Chapter 10 Article 8 as any motor vehicle left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours or on private property without the owner's consent for more than 48 hours. Vehicles must be operational, currently registered, and not wrecked or inoperative under Colorado law (CRS 42-4-1802).
42-4-1802. Definitions. As used in this part 18, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Abandoned motor vehicle" means:
(a) Any motor vehicle left unattended on public property, including any portion of a highway right-of-way, outside the limits of any incorporated town or city for a period of forty-eight hours or longer;
(b) Any motor vehicle left unattended on public property, including any portion of a highway right-of-way, within the limits of any incorporated town or city for a period longer than any limit prescribed by any local ordinance concerning the abandonment of motor vehicles or, if there is no such ordinance, for a period of forty-eight hours or longer;
(c) Any motor vehicle stored in an impound lot at the request of a law enforcement agency and n
Full Breakdown
Vehicles with expired registration (more than 60 days), flat tires, broken windows, missing parts, or visible weeds growing through wheels are presumed inoperative and subject to tagging. Owners have 72 hours after a red tag to move or repair the vehicle before it is towed. Private property owners may request removal of vehicles parked without consent by signing a complaint through CSPD or calling a private impound lot authorized by the city. Abandoned vehicles are processed through the Colorado Public Trustee sale system after a 30-day hold.
Violations & Fines
Abandoned vehicle citations are 75 dollars plus towing and storage fees (typically 200 to 400 dollars initial tow, 35 to 50 dollars per day storage). Unclaimed vehicles are sold at public auction with proceeds applied to unpaid fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a broken-down car sit at my Colorado Springs curb?
Can my HOA tow a neighbor's car from the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colorado Springs
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