Garland, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Junked Definition
- Junked = inoperable, wrecked, or unregistered/uninspected
- Public Streets
- Tagged on public streets after 48 hours; towed thereafter
- Private Property
- Private property: 10-day written notice before abatement
- Reporting
- Report to Garland Code Compliance: (972) 205-3340
- Cost Recovery
- Owner pays towing and impound fees if removed
Summary
Garland follows Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683, defining vehicles as junked or abandoned if inoperable, unregistered, wrecked, or left on public property over 48 hours, with removal authorized after notice.
Sec. 683.002. ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE. (a) For the purposes of this chapter, a motor vehicle is abandoned if the motor vehicle: (1) is inoperable, is more than five years old, and has been left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours; (2) has remained illegally on public property for more than 48 hours; (3) has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in charge of the property for more than 48 hours; (4) has been left unattended on the right-of-way of a designated county, state, or federal highway for more than 48 hours; (5) has been left unattended for more than 24 hours on the right-of-way of a turnpike project ... or a controlled access highway; or (6) is considered an abandoned motor vehicle under Section 644.153(r).
Full Breakdown
Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 and the Garland Code of Ordinances, a vehicle is considered junked when it is wrecked, dismantled, or partially dismantled; inoperable for more than 72 hours on public property or more than 30 days on private property; lacks current registration or inspection; or constitutes a public nuisance. Junked vehicles in plain public view from a street, alley, or other public property are prohibited unless stored inside a fully enclosed structure. Abandoned vehicles on public streets may be tagged and towed after 48 hours; on private property, owners receive a 10-day written notice before abatement. Report suspected abandoned or junked vehicles to Garland Code Compliance at (972) 205-3340 or through the Action Center app. The vehicle owner is responsible for tow and storage fees, which can exceed $300 if not claimed promptly. Operable, registered, and inspected vehicles parked legally on private property are not subject to abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report an abandoned car in Garland?
Can I store a project car in my driveway?
What if my car was towed as abandoned?
Sources & Official References
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