Lake County, IL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- Inoperable vehicle = public nuisance
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Lake County only
- Exemption
- Enclosed building or licensed wrecking yard
- Hazardous vehicle removal
- Sheriff, after 10 days' notice
- Max fine
- $1,000 per day (§ 10.99)
Summary
In unincorporated Lake County, keeping an inoperable vehicle outside an enclosed building or a licensed wrecking yard is a public nuisance, and the Sheriff can remove hazardous dilapidated vehicles after notice.
It is a public nuisance to keep or store any inoperable vehicle on public or private property unless said motor vehicle is: (a) Kept within an enclosed building; or (b) Is stored or kept on premises properly zoned for and engaged in the business of wrecking or junking motor vehicles or an approved vehicle repair use as defined in the Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 151, §§ 151.001 through 151.285).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
Lake County Code § 94.05(A)(1) makes it a public nuisance to keep or store an inoperable vehicle on public or private property unless it is inside an enclosed building or on premises zoned and licensed for vehicle wrecking, junking, or an approved repair use. This rule applies only in unincorporated Lake County (§ 94.02(A)); Waukegan, North Chicago, Highland Park, Gurnee, Libertyville and other municipalities enforce their own codes. Separately, § 94.10 lets the Lake County Sheriff immediately remove a hazardous dilapidated motor vehicle from public or private property countywide after 10 days' certified-mail notice, with a right to an administrative hearing before removal.
Violations & Fines
Public nuisance under § 94.05(A); enforceable via circuit court citation or Lake County Administrative Adjudication, with fines up to $1,000 per day under § 10.99 plus abatement/removal and storage costs charged to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Waukegan or Highland Park?
What counts as an inoperable vehicle?
Can the county just tow my car?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois parking rules overview
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