Hanover County, VA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Section 17-19 covers property zoned R-1 through R-6, RS, RM, RC, and AR-1, AR-2 and AR-6. It is unlawful to keep an inoperable motor vehicle there unless it sits inside a fully enclosed building, or is otherwise shielded or screened from view, meaning not visible from ground level outside the property. One inoperable vehicle not otherwise screened may stay if it wears a fitted opaque vehicle cover in good condition. 'Inoperable motor vehicle' is defined by cross-reference to Va. 2-100 as any vehicle, trailer or semitrailer that is not in operating condition, has been missing its tires, wheels, engine or other essential parts for 60 days or more, or lacks valid license plates or a valid inspection decal.

A second exception lets an owner keep the vehicle plus one additional shielded inoperable vehicle if actively restoring or repairing it. Licensed automobile dealers, salvage dealers, and scrap processors operating as of June 26, 1970, are exempt entirely. If an owner does not remove a violating vehicle after the Board of Supervisors' notice, the county or its designee may remove and dispose of it, and the removal and disposal costs become a lien against the property until paid. This section is separate from Chapter 15's Article IV, which lets the county impound and auction vehicles abandoned on public property or left unclaimed more than 48 hours; § 17-19 targets vehicles kept in the open on private residential and agricultural lots.