Fort Wayne, IN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 90.02
- Enforcing agency
- Div. of Community & Economic Development
- Redemption window
- 20 days after towing
- Standard fine
- $100 per day
- Board of Public Safety fine
- $150, no notice
Summary
Fort Wayne makes it unlawful to keep a partially dismantled, wrecked, junked, non-operating, or unplated vehicle on public or private property when it reasonably appears abandoned, with towing and fines from $100 to $150.
It shall be unlawful for any person to keep, permit or maintain any vehicle which may be one of the following: partially dismantled; non-operating; wrecked or junked; without a license plate or an invalid plate; or on any public or private premises within the City for such time and under circumstance which would reasonably make such vehicle appear to have been abandoned.
(B) The license plate must be displayed in accordance with Indiana state law:
(1) Legally assigned to said vehicle;
(2) A current registration sticker properly affixed; and
(3) Not false or fictitious.
(C) In the event of repeated complaints, after the vehicle in question has been proven operable and not abandoned, the Officer is not required to respond to every complaint which is made. (‘74 Code, § 17-70) (Ord. S-185-85, passed 10-8-85; Am. Ord. G-17-03, passed 5- 13-03; Am. Ord. G-17-18, passed 7-10-18) Penalty, see § 90.99
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 90.02 bars keeping any vehicle that is partially dismantled, non-operating, wrecked, junked, or carries no plate or an invalid plate on public or private premises long enough to reasonably look abandoned. The Division of Community and Economic Development enforces the chapter, can tow vehicles, and may dispose of anything worth $500 or less under I.C. 9-22-1-13(b). An unclaimed towed vehicle is deemed abandoned after 20 days. Owners may instead sign a removal waiver to surrender a vehicle voluntarily.
Violations & Fines
General violations: $100 per day. Vehicles towed under § 90.02 not redeemed within 20 days are treated as abandoned. Board of Public Safety cases: immediate $150 fine, no prior notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a vehicle 'abandoned' under Fort Wayne's code?
How long do I have to get a towed vehicle back?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
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