MGL ch. 90 §22C defines abandoned vehicles. Bristol County cities tag and tow after 72 hours on public streets. Private property storage of junk vehicles prohibited under local blight ordinances — must be registered and operable or enclosed.
Massachusetts state law (MGL ch. 90 §22C) defines abandonment and authorizes removal of vehicles left on public ways. In Bristol County, Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton tag unregistered or clearly abandoned vehicles on public streets and typically tow after a 72-hour notice. Vehicles on private property must be currently registered and operable, or stored inside a fully enclosed structure or behind an opaque six-foot fence. Junk, derelict, or stripped vehicles trigger nuisance and blight enforcement under local ordinances. Exceptions exist for vehicles under active repair at a licensed Class II or Class III dealer (MGL ch. 140 §58). Any vehicle leaking fluids is also a DEP concern.
Public-way tagging: 72-hour warning, then tow ($150 to $300 tow plus storage). Private-property junk vehicle: $100 to $300 per day until cured, municipal abatement with cost lien.
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See how Fall River's abandoned vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
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