Knoxville, TN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Public property
- abandoned after 30 days
- Illegal on public property
- abandoned after 48 hours
- Private property, no consent
- abandoned after 48 hours
- Max penalty
- $50 fine or $325 abatement cost
Summary
Knoxville treats a vehicle as abandoned if it sits unattended on public property over 30 days, stays illegally on public property over 48 hours, or sits on private property without the owner's consent for more than 48 hours.
For purposes of this article, "abandoned motor vehicle" means: (1) A motor vehicle that is left unattended on public property for more than thirty (30) days; (2) Any motor vehicle that has remained illegally on public property for a period of more than forty-eight (48) hours; or (3) A motor vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than forty-eight (48) hours.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 17-122 defines both "abandoned" and "inoperable" motor vehicles and declares their presence on public or private property a public nuisance. An inoperable vehicle is one missing major parts, junked, burned, flooded, unregisterable, or otherwise incapable of moving under its own power, or one meeting two or more listed conditions such as missing tires, broken windows or 15 days without moving. Under §§ 17-123 and 17-124, the city or police may take custody of such vehicles, notify owners and lienholders by mail, and sell unclaimed vehicles at public auction after 30 days.
Violations & Fines
Each violation carries a fine up to $50.00 or repayment of the city's abatement costs up to $325.00, or both, under § 17-121; each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car sit on the street in Knoxville before it's abandoned?
What happens to an abandoned car the city tows in Knoxville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Knoxville
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