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Dane County, WI Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

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Verified 1 month ago|Source: Wis. Stat. §342.40 →

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Key Facts

48-Hour Rule: Wis. Stat. §342.40
Madison Tow: $150 + $25/day MGO §12.82
County Code §48.09: Screening required
Notice: 10 days before disposal
Registration: Required Wis. Stat. §341.04

Summary

Wisconsin Stat. §342.40 and §349.13 let Dane County and its municipalities tag and tow vehicles left over 48 hours on public ways or stored inoperable in view. Madison (MGO §12.82) gives 48-hour notice. Dane County Code §48.09 covers unincorporated junk vehicles on private property.

Full Breakdown

Under Wis. Stat. §342.40, any vehicle left unattended on a public highway or on private land without consent for more than 48 hours is presumed abandoned and may be impounded by police. Madison General Ordinance §12.82 allows Parking Enforcement to mark a tire and tow after 48 hours. Fitchburg (§14-70), Middleton (§10-2-7), Verona (§7-1-5), Sun Prairie (§10.12), and Stoughton (§70-52) adopt substantially similar rules. Dane County Code §48.09 prohibits the outdoor storage of junked, wrecked, or unlicensed motor vehicles in unincorporated areas visible from public ways or neighboring property unless fully enclosed or screened by a six-foot opaque fence. Vehicles must display current Wisconsin registration under Wis. Stat. §341.04 or be classified as collector vehicles under §341.266. Owners receive a 10-day mailed notice before disposal under Wis. Stat. §342.40(3). Towing and storage fees accrue from day one.

Violations & Fines

Madison impound plus tow is approximately $150 tow, $25 per day storage, $75 administrative fee (MGO §12.82). Dane County §48.09 junk-vehicle citations start at $199 with daily continuing violations. Unregistered vehicle forfeiture Wis. Stat. §341.04 $200 to $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm restoring a classic car in my driveway outside Madison. Is that allowed?

In unincorporated Dane County, Code §48.09 requires outdoor vehicles to be registered and operable, or screened behind a six-foot opaque fence. Collector-plate vehicles under Wis. Stat. §341.266 have some protection but still must be covered or screened.

How long before my car is considered abandoned on a Madison street?

48 hours under Wis. Stat. §342.40 and MGO §12.82. Enforcement typically chalks the tire, then tags and tows. Even legally parked vehicles must move every 48 hours.

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Dane County, WI Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

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