Travis County, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- TX Transp. Code 683
- Public Road
- 48 hr tag
- Junk Nuisance
- H&S 683.071
- Auction
- After 20 days
Summary
Abandoned vehicles on public roads in unincorporated Travis County are handled under TX Transportation Code Chapter 683 (Abandoned Motor Vehicles). A vehicle left over 48 hours on public property, inoperable for 30 days, or wrecked can be declared abandoned. Travis County Sheriff tags and tows after proper notice.
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... or a controlled access highway.
Full Breakdown
After tagging, owners have 10 days to remove. Vehicles not claimed within 20 days of impound are sold at auction per §683.014. On private property, owners may have vehicles towed by calling a TDLR-licensed tow operator with owner consent. Junked vehicles visible from public road in unincorporated areas may violate TX Health & Safety Code §683.071 as nuisance.
Violations & Fines
Junked vehicle nuisance: up to $200 fine per day after abatement notice. Impound fees: $200-500 tow plus $25/day storage typical.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a car is abandoned on a county road?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.