Hempstead, NY Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 173's Article I defines an abandoned vehicle by how long it sits and where: no plates for more than six hours on a public street (Section 173-1A), more than 24 hours where parking is otherwise illegal (Section 173-1B), more than 48 hours after parking there becomes illegal on a spot normally allowed (Section 173-1C), or more than 96 hours on someone else's private property without permission (Section 173-1D). Section 173-2 declares an abandoned vehicle a public nuisance that the Commissioner of Highways must take into custody and remove to a Town or private storage garage; the Superintendent of Highways then notifies Nassau County Police and the state DMV under Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 424 (Section 173-3).

If the unplated vehicle is worth $1,250 or less, title vests in the Town immediately (Section 173-4A); otherwise the Town traces the last owner, gives 10 days' notice before a public auction or bid sale, and can convert up to 1% of unclaimed vehicles, or two, whichever is greater, to Town use each year (Section 173-6A). Article II separately bans outdoor storage of any abandoned or junked motor vehicle, or its used parts, anywhere in the Town except inside a wholly enclosed building (Section 173-11A).

The Commissioner of Buildings enforces that ban with a written notice giving the owner 15 days to remove the vehicle, a right to request a hearing within 10 days, and a hearing held within 30 days if requested (Sections 173-12 through 173-14); licensed automobile dismantlers are exempt (Section 173-15).