Long Branch, NJ Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 322, adopted in 1971, defines a vehicle broadly as any machine propelled other than by human power that travels on wheels, treads, runners, or slides, covering cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, tractors, buggies, and wagons (§ 322-1). No one may abandon a vehicle in the city, or leave one anywhere long enough and under circumstances that make it reasonably appear abandoned (§ 322-2). Leaving any partially dismantled, nonoperating, wrecked, or junked vehicle on a street or highway is flatly prohibited, with no time grace period (§ 322-3).

On private property, an owner, tenant, or occupant cannot let a dismantled, wrecked, junked, or discarded vehicle sit for more than 48 hours, though the rule doesn't reach a vehicle inside an enclosed building, one screened from view and necessary to a lawful business, or one in the City's own authorized storage depository (§ 322-4). The Chief of Police, Public Safety Director, or a designated officer can remove and impound any vehicle that appears to violate the chapter, and must then notify the registered and legal owner by personal service or certified mail of the removal, the reason, and where the vehicle is being held (§ 322-5).

The vehicle stays impounded until the owner pays the towing and removal cost plus a $15-per-day garage charge for every day it remains impounded (§ 322-5).