Madison, AL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Code section
- Sec. 22-189 to 22-196
- Time limit
- 48 hours (inoperable vehicle)
- Driveway storage
- Max 2, covered with car cover
- Inoperable defined
- Expired plate or disassembled
- Status
- Declared a public nuisance
Summary
In Madison it is a violation to leave an inoperable vehicle or vehicle junk on residential or commercial property for more than 48 hours, with limited exceptions. Inoperable vehicles on a driveway (max two) must be kept under a temporary vehicle cover.
It shall be a violation of this article for any owner or person in possession or control of an inoperable motor vehicle or non-motorized vehicle junk to abandon, place, leave, store, or park said inoperable motor vehicle or non-motorized vehicle junk upon any residential or commercial property in the city for more than 48 hours.
Full Breakdown
Code Sec. 22-190 makes it a violation to abandon, place, leave, store, or park an inoperable motor vehicle or non-motorized vehicle junk on any residential or commercial property for more than 48 hours. Exceptions: storage inside an approved enclosed structure; up to two inoperable vehicles under an approved carport or on a driveway, each kept under a temporary vehicle cover except when actively being repaired; junk/salvage yards; and licensed repair shops. An 'inoperable vehicle' includes any with an expired plate or in a state of disassembly (Sec. 22-189). Such junk is declared a public nuisance (Sec. 22-191).
Violations & Fines
Owners in violation are guilty of a municipal offense (Sec. 22-196); the nuisance may be abated and the vehicle removed, and Sec. 1-9's general penalty of up to $500 and/or 12 months can apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a project car with expired tags in my driveway?
How long can an inoperable vehicle stay on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Madison County handle abandoned vehicles.