North Dakota Century Code Chapter 39-26 establishes statewide procedures for removing, storing, and disposing of abandoned motor vehicles. Local jurisdictions must follow these notice and titling rules when impounding vehicles.
Under NDCC 39-26, a vehicle is abandoned if left on public property over 48 hours or on private property without consent. Local law enforcement may take custody of abandoned vehicles, but must notify the registered owner and lienholders before disposal. Vehicles older than 10 years and worth less than scrap value may be processed through the Department of Transportation's expedited procedure. Storage liens accrue and the state Department of Transportation issues clear titles after the prescribed waiting period. Owners may reclaim vehicles by paying tow and storage costs.
Removal without proper notice may result in liability for conversion. Owners failing to reclaim within 30 days lose vehicle ownership and may owe storage fees.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Fargo, ND
Fargo Land Development Code Sec. 20-0403(B)(6) caps fences in residential districts (SR, MR, UMU, NC, NO) at 3 ft in front yards (4 ft if at least 75% light-...
Fargo, ND
Fargo Ordinance No. 5425 requires every private swimming pool holding water more than 24 inches deep to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches tall and ...
Fargo, ND
Converting a Fargo garage to habitable living space requires a residential building permit from the City of Fargo Inspections Department, plus electrical, pl...
Fargo, ND
Fargo requires a building permit for any accessory building larger than 120 square feet (10 ft x 12 ft) under the city's adopted International Residential Co...
Fargo, ND
North Dakota HB 1361 (2025) prohibits cities and counties from adopting sanctuary policies, requiring full cooperation between Fargo Police and federal immig...
Fargo, ND
North Dakota has no statewide paid sick or family leave mandate, and Fargo cannot impose one, leaving private benefits to individual employer policies and fe...
See how Fargo's abandoned vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.