La Porte, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Definition
- Inoperable, unregistered, or missing major parts
- Storage Requirement
- Must be in fully enclosed garage
- Street Notice
- 48-hour removal notice
- Fine
- Up to $2,000 per day per vehicle
- Code Enforcement
- (281) 471-5020
Summary
La Porte strictly enforces its abandoned and junked vehicle ordinance. Inoperable, unregistered, or wrecked vehicles on residential property or public streets are subject to notice, abatement, and removal at the owner's expense under Chapter 78 of the Code of Ordinances.
Sec. 683.002. ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE. (a) For the purposes of this chapter, a motor vehicle is abandoned if the motor vehicle:(1) is inoperable, is more than five years old, and has been left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours;(2) has remained illegally on public property for more than 48 hours;(3) has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in charge of the property for more than 48 hours;(4) has been left unattended on the right-of-way of a designated county, state, or federal highway for more than 48 hours;(5) has been left unattended for more than 24 hours on the right-of-way of a turnpike project constructed and maintained by the Texas Turnpike Authority division of the Texas D
Full Breakdown
The City of La Porte prohibits storing junked, abandoned, or inoperable vehicles on residential property or public streets under Chapter 78 of the Code of Ordinances, consistent with Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683. A junked vehicle is defined as one that is inoperable, does not have a current registration or inspection, or is missing major components such as an engine, transmission, wheels, or doors. Vehicles meeting this definition must be stored in a fully enclosed garage or removed from the property. On public streets, a vehicle left unattended for more than 48 hours or displaying characteristics of abandonment may be tagged with a removal notice.
The city may tow and impound the vehicle at the owner's expense after the notice period expires. On private property, the Code Enforcement officer issues a notice of violation giving the property owner a deadline to remove or properly store the vehicle. If not corrected, the city may seek a municipal court order and arrange removal at the owner's cost. Contact Code Enforcement at (281) 471-5020 to report abandoned or junked vehicles.
Violations & Fines
Failure to remove a junked vehicle after notice results in citations with fines up to $2,000 per day per vehicle. The city may tow the vehicle at the owner's expense. Public street abandonment results in towing after 48-hour notice. Property owners may be charged all towing and storage costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a junked vehicle in La Porte?
How long can a car sit on the street before being towed in La Porte?
Can I store a project car in my driveway in La Porte?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in La Porte
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle abandoned vehicles.