Madison defines abandoned vehicles per WI Stat 342.40 and MGO 12.137: vehicles parked over 48 hours on streets or inoperable/unregistered vehicles on private property. Tagged then towed after 7 days; sold at auction if unclaimed.
Under WI Stat 342.40, a vehicle is considered abandoned if left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours or on private property without consent. Madison General Ordinances 12.137 and 10.18 implement this, with Parking Enforcement and Police investigating. Abandoned vehicles on public streets receive an abandonment tag; if not moved within the notice period (typically 7 days from tagging, shorter for safety hazards), the vehicle is towed to a contracted impound lot. Owners recover vehicles by paying towing (~$150), storage ($25-$35/day), and any outstanding citations. Unclaimed vehicles are sold at auction under WI Stat 342.40(3) after 30 days. On private property, inoperable or unlicensed vehicles parked in public view for more than 48 hours violate MGO 10.18 (junk vehicles); owners receive orders to abate, and the city may tow. Vehicles covered with a car cover on private property are generally exempt if licensed and operable.
Abandonment: tow + fees $300+. Junk vehicle on property: $100-$500 + abatement tow. Unclaimed: sold at auction.
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