DuPage County, IL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Section 23-50 defines an "inoperable motor vehicle" as one that has had its engine, wheels or other parts removed, damaged or altered for at least seven days so it cannot be driven under its own power. The definition excludes cars temporarily down for ordinary service or repair, vehicles kept inside a building, operable historic vehicles over 25 years old, and inventory on a licensed wrecking or junking business's premises. Section 23-51 declares any qualifying inoperable vehicle a nuisance whether it sits on public or private property.

On private property, the county must send written notice by certified mail to the record owner, and a Safety Officer appointed under 55 ILCS 335/11 posts a red, self-adhesive "NOTICE TO OWNER" sticker directly on the vehicle warning that it will be removed by the DuPage County Sheriff's Department if not disposed of within seven days, and that the owner will owe all towing charges and fines. On public property or public roadways, the posted sticker alone is sufficient notice; no certified mail is required.

, to remove and dispose of it directly, or to authorize a towing service to do so. Section 23-52 sets the monetary penalty: an owner who fails to dispose of the vehicle within seven days of posted notice owes a $25 fine plus all towing and storage fees. Fines collected go to the Sheriff's Department and are remitted monthly to the County Treasurer, while the towing entity is paid directly by the owner for its towing and storage charges.