Denver, CO Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- DRMC §§ 54-466 and 54-812
- Public ROW time limit
- 24 hours before removal
- Minimum impound hold
- 30 days
- Enforcing agencies
- Police, sheriff, transportation & infrastructure dept
- Applies to
- Public and private property
Summary
Denver authorizes police, the sheriff, and the transportation department to remove any 'vehicle junker', inoperable or extensively damaged, from public or private property, and bans parking one on a public right-of-way for more than 24 hours.
The chief of police, the undersheriff and the manager of transportation and infrastructure, and their designees, are hereby authorized to remove, or have removed at their direction, a vehicle junker from any public or private way or place.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
A 'vehicle junker' is any vehicle that's apparently inoperable, disabled, or unlicensed and extensively damaged, broken windows, missing wheels, tires, doors, muffler, motor, or transmission. Denver's chief of police, undersheriff, and manager of transportation and infrastructure can remove one from any public or private way or place; before disposal, a 24-hour notice is posted on it identifying the city agency to call. Separately, section 54-466 makes it unlawful to park a junker on a public right-of-way for more than 24 hours, moving it to another spot on the same right-of-way doesn't excuse the violation. Impounded junkers are held at least 30 days, then auctioned, scrapped, or donated if unclaimed.
Violations & Fines
Leaving a junker on a public right-of-way over 24 hours triggers a posted notice, then impoundment; an owner who can't show the vehicle is operable and safe within 24 hours faces towing, storage charges, and eventual disposal by auction or scrapping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a 'vehicle junker' in Denver?
Can Denver remove a junked car from my private yard?
How long can a junker sit on the street before towing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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