Flint, MI Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Michigan's statewide framework for abandoned vehicles is MCL 257.252a (Michigan Vehicle Code, Act 300 of 1949). The statute presumes the registered owner is prima facie responsible, defines an abandoned vehicle as one that has remained on public property for at least 48 hours (or 18 hours on a state trunk-line highway with a valid registration plate), and requires the police agency to enter the vehicle into the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) within 24 hours of taking custody. The Michigan Secretary of State releases the vehicle for disposition under MCL 257.252b or 257.252g within 45 days after the LEIN entry. Flint layers its local administration through Chapter 28 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic): Section 28-31 defines an abandoned vehicle as one that has remained on public property or private property for 48 hours after a police agency or other designated governmental agency has affixed the written notice to the vehicle. Section 28-36 addresses registered and unregistered abandoned scrap vehicles, Section 28-37 covers removal of vehicles by other than the registered owner or police agency, and Section 28-38 authorizes removal of vehicles by the Chief of Police or police agency. The vehicle owner may contest the removal by requesting a hearing and paying a fee under MCL 257.252a; towing and storage charges run to the owner.