Lexington, KY Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Kentucky Revised Statutes section 189.751 authorizes local governments to remove vehicles that have been left on public roads, alleys, or other places open to public travel for more than 72 hours, or that appear inoperable, wrecked, or abandoned. LFUCG implements these rules through a combination of police and code enforcement action. On-street, police can tag a suspect vehicle with a warning sticker, and if it has not been moved after the required waiting period (typically 72 hours), it can be towed to an impound lot at the owner's expense. Recovery fees include towing charges plus daily storage, and unclaimed vehicles are ultimately sold at auction under KRS procedures. On private property, LFUCG code enforcement can cite homeowners who store inoperable vehicles — vehicles lacking current registration, with flat tires, missing critical components, or otherwise unable to move under their own power — in open view in front yards or unscreened side yards. Such vehicles must either be made operable and registered, moved inside a garage or enclosed structure, or screened from street view. Vehicles being actively restored may qualify for limited exceptions when stored inside a garage. Commercial vehicles, equipment trailers, and habitual street-storers attract heightened enforcement in neighborhoods that file recurring complaints. Residents can report suspected abandoned vehicles through LexCall 311.