Honolulu County, HI Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- unattended 24+ hours
- Fine
- $150 to $500
- Removal authority
- police chief / customer services director
- Cost liability
- owner pays removal expenses
Summary
Leaving a vehicle unattended on an Oahu street or highway for more than 24 hours counts as abandonment, and the city can remove it and bill the owner.
No person may abandon any vehicle, including a trailer, on a public street or highway. The chief of police or director of customer services is authorized to remove or cause to be removed the abandoned vehicle from the street or highway, and the person abandoning such vehicle shall be liable for all reasonable expenses incurred by the city due to such removal. Leaving vehicles unattended for more than 24 hours constitutes abandonment within the meaning of this section.
(b) A person who violates this section is subject to a fine of not less than $150 nor more than $500. (Sec. 15-13.9, R.O. 1978 (1983 Ed.)) (1990 Code, Ch. 15, Art. 13, § 15-13.8) (Am. Ords. 89-94; 21-9)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-10: Supplement 10, 12-2025 Ordinance No. 25-40 through Ordinance No. 25-56).
Full Breakdown
Under ROH 15-13.8, no person may abandon a vehicle, including a trailer, on a public street or highway anywhere on Oahu. The police chief or director of customer services may remove or have the vehicle removed, and the person who abandoned it is liable for all reasonable removal expenses the city incurs. Leaving a vehicle unattended for more than 24 hours is legally abandonment under this section.
Violations & Fines
Fine of not less than $150 nor more than $500, plus liability for the city's reasonable vehicle removal expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car sit on an Oahu street before it's abandoned?
Who pays to tow an abandoned vehicle in Honolulu County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Honolulu County
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