Haverford, PA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit on private property
- 72 consecutive hours
- Emergency exception
- Ends after 24 consecutive hours
- Maximum fine
- $600 plus costs of prosecution
- Jail on default
- Not more than 30 days
- Notice after removal
- Within 12 hours, from the Township Police Department
- Who can be charged
- Vehicle owner, property owner, or both
Summary
In Haverford Township, Delaware County, it is unlawful to leave a disabled motor vehicle on private property for more than 72 consecutive hours. Chapter 178 declares such vehicles a public nuisance, authorizes removal and impoundment, and sets a fine of up to $600 plus costs for each violation, with every day counted separately.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any motor vehicle to allow, or for any person to park, a disabled motor vehicle or permit a disabled motor vehicle to stand, whether attended or unattended, upon any private property within the Township of Haverford for a period of more than 72 consecutive hours. ... A "disabled motor vehicle" shall be a vehicle which meets one or more of the following conditions: A. Any sharp or protruding metal, broken or missing glass or rusted cavities. B. A vehicle suspended from a lift, supported by jacks or propped up by another object which is not part of said disabled vehicle. C. A vehicle which has any missing parts or which would allow for the harborage of vermin. D. A vehicle which does not bear a current registration or inspection sticker. ... Any motor vehicle found upon private property within the Township of Haverford in violation of any provision of this article may be removed and impounded.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 178, Article I of the Haverford Township Code governs parking, storage or repair of disabled vehicles on private property. Section 178-1 makes it unlawful for the owner of a vehicle to allow, or for any person to park, a disabled motor vehicle on private property in the Township for more than 72 consecutive hours, whether the vehicle is attended or unattended. Section 178-2 declares any disabled motor vehicle detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the public and a public nuisance.
Section 178-3 defines a disabled motor vehicle by four conditions, and meeting one or more is enough: sharp or protruding metal, broken or missing glass or rusted cavities; a vehicle suspended from a lift, supported by jacks or propped up by another object that is not part of the vehicle; a vehicle with missing parts or one that would allow the harborage of vermin; and a vehicle that does not bear a current registration or inspection sticker.
Section 178-4 excuses an emergency situation caused by accident, casualty or other unexpected circumstances, but no emergency is deemed to exist for more than 24 consecutive hours. Under § 178-5 the registration plate on the vehicle is prima facie evidence of who owned and controlled it, and ownership of the private property is prima facie evidence that the property owners also controlled the vehicle. Proceedings can be brought against the vehicle owner, the property owner, or both.
Under § 178-6 a vehicle found in violation can be removed and impounded. Within 12 hours of removal the Haverford Township Police Department must send notice to the owner of record and to the owner or occupant of the property, naming the place of removal, the reason and the pound (§ 178-9). Charges for removal, towing, storage and impounding are fixed by resolution of the Board of Commissioners (§ 178-8). Chapter 178 does not reach a vehicle kept inside an enclosed building or garage where the Zoning Ordinance allows it (§ 178-13). Disabled vehicles on public property are handled in Chapter 175, Article IX.
Violations & Fines
Under § 178-12, a violator pays, in addition to the removal and storage charges, a fine not exceeding $600 and costs of prosecution on summary conviction before a District Justice of the Peace. If the fine and costs go unpaid, the violator can be sentenced to the county jail for not more than 30 days. Each day in violation is a separate offense. Charges paid without protest are final under § 178-10; charges paid under protest earn a hearing before a Justice of the Peace under § 178-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a disabled vehicle sit on private property in Haverford Township?
Does an expired inspection sticker make a car disabled?
Who pays for towing and storage?
Can the Township pursue the property owner instead of the vehicle owner?
Does the 72-hour rule apply to a car inside a garage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Haverford
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