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Horry County, SC Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Inoperable vehicle
Deemed abandoned
Public property limit
72 hours unattended
Any property limit
Seven days without consent
Enforcer
Environmental Services Dept.
First-offense penalty
$200-$500, up to 30 days

Summary

Horry County's Junk, Debris and Common Nuisance Ordinance makes it unlawful to leave an inoperable vehicle, one sitting on public property over 72 hours, or one unattended on any property more than seven days without the owner's consent. Derelict, unregistered or dismantled vehicles must be removed.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Horry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It shall be unlawful to leave a motor vehicle this is not capable of moving under its own power; or, a motor vehicle left unattended on public property for more than seventy-two (72) hours; or, a motor vehicle left unattended on public or private property for ... more than seven (7) days without the consent of the owner ...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 88).

Full Breakdown

Under Horry County Code Sec. 10-29, a vehicle is abandoned if it cannot move under its own power, sits unattended on public property over 72 hours, or is left on any property more than seven days without the owner's consent. A vehicle is derelict when its registration has expired and the owner no longer lives at the registered address, when parts needed for movement are missing or inoperable, when identifying numbers are removed, or when the owner disclaims it. Junked or wrecked vehicles must be removed, enclosed, or screened (Sec. 10-28). The county Department of Environmental Services enforces the ordinance and may remove uncorrected derelict vehicles. Burning an abandoned or junked vehicle is a separate nuisance offense.

Violations & Fines

Abandoned-vehicle violations are misdemeanors: first offense $200-$500 and up to 30 days jail (or 40 hours community service); second and later offenses carry $500 fines and 15-30 days jail plus community service.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a car considered abandoned in unincorporated Horry County?
When it cannot move under its own power, is left on public property over 72 hours, or sits on public or private property more than seven days without the property owner's or controller's consent.
Who do I report an abandoned vehicle to?
The Horry County Department of Environmental Services administers the Junk, Debris and Common Nuisance Ordinance and can pursue removal of abandoned or derelict vehicles that are not corrected within the ordinance's time limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Horry County

All Horry County rules

Compare Horry County to another location·View the South Carolina parking rules overview

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