St. Clair County, IL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Abandoned after
- 7 consecutive days
- Notice before removal
- 7 days' notice
- Fine
- Up to $500
- Repeat offenses
- Each day is new offense
- State law
- 625 ILCS 5/4-201
Summary
In unincorporated St. Clair County, a vehicle left unmoved seven or more days is deemed abandoned. Abandoning a vehicle in public view, or keeping an inoperable vehicle, is a petty offense with a fine up to $500 per day. State law (625 ILCS 5/4-201) applies statewide.
Anyone found keeping an inoperable vehicle on private property or the owner's property after seven (7) days notice of such is guilty of a petty offense and punishable by a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). Each day of violation is a new offense.
Full Breakdown
The county Motor Vehicle Code (Sec. 24-2-3) makes abandoning a vehicle in public view unlawful except on the owner's own property, and a vehicle abandoned on the owner's land or an inoperable vehicle visible from a public right-of-way may be removed by order of the Sheriff after seven days' notice. An 'inoperable motor vehicle' is one from which, for at least seven days, the engine, wheels or other parts have been removed (Sec. 24-2-2). Statewide, 625 ILCS 5/4-201(b) authorizes removal of a vehicle abandoned on private property after a 7-day waiting period. Cities enforce their own abandoned-vehicle nuisance codes within municipal limits.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an abandoned or inoperable vehicle is a petty offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $500; each day of violation is a new offense (Sec. 24-2-16), plus a $5 court fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a car is abandoned in St. Clair County?
What is the fine for an inoperable vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Clair County
Compare St. Clair County to another location·View the Illinois parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.