Irvington, NJ Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Article XVII of Chapter 620 defines an abandoned vehicle as one not moved for seven consecutive days or more that is apparently deserted, and an inoperable vehicle as one missing or altered engine, wheel or other parts for at least seven days so it cannot be driven under its own power. Section 620-79 declares that such vehicles, along with unregistered vehicles under Section 620-81, constitute a safety hazard and public nuisance on either private or public property by harboring disease, breeding vermin, inviting plundering, creating fire hazards, endangering children and blighting the area's appearance and land values.

Section 620-81 separately bars storing an unregistered vehicle on any public or private property in the Township for more than seven days. Notice procedures in Section 620-84 require the Township to send registered or certified mail to the last known registered owner, and to the property owner or occupant if the vehicle sits on private property, giving seven days from the day after mailing to remove, dispose of, or place the vehicle in an enclosed building. A private-property recipient may request a hearing before the Township Attorney within that same seven-day window under Section 620-85, and the Attorney may grant a further extension of up to 30 days on an affidavit showing the vehicle is being sold or is under expeditious repair, meaning parts are on order, a repair date is scheduled within 30 days, or an accident-damage claim is being pursued.

Covering or tarping a vehicle left outdoors does not resolve the nuisance under Section 620-82, though a vehicle being actively sold gets 30 days from notice. Exemptions under Section 620-80 cover vehicles inside an enclosed building, operable antique vehicles (25 years or older) that are currently registered, vehicles on a licensed wrecking or dealer lot, and vehicles temporarily inoperable for ordinary repair for no more than seven days. Unresolved vehicles on public property may be towed without further notice under Section 620-86, with the owner and any property occupant jointly and severally liable for towing and storage costs.