Jefferson County, WI Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Jefferson County Code § 20-4(a) bars leaving any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer or mobile home unattended on any public highway or private or public property under circumstances that make it reasonably appear abandoned. Section 20-4(b) sets the bright lines: a vehicle unattended on a public highway outside an incorporated city or village for more than 12 hours, or on private or public property without the owner's permission for more than 48 hours, is deemed abandoned and constitutes a public nuisance. Once that threshold is met, § 20-4(c) has the county sheriff impound the vehicle until it is lawfully claimed or disposed of, though the sheriff can junk a vehicle early if towing and storage costs would exceed its value and it is not needed as evidence.

Under § 20-4(d), any deputy who finds an abandoned vehicle must have it removed to a place of impoundment the sheriff designates. The registered owner, except for a stolen vehicle, is responsible under § 20-4(e) for the abandonment and all impoundment and disposal costs, recoverable by civil action if not covered by sale proceeds. 00 can go straight to a licensed salvage dealer under § 20-4(g) once confirmed not stolen. The sheriff must notify the state Division of Motor Vehicles of any sale or disposal within five days per § 20-4(h).