McLean County, IL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Section 350-23 bars parking or storing an inoperable or unlicensed motor vehicle, or parts of one, anywhere in unincorporated McLean County unless it sits in a lawfully established junkyard or salvage yard. Subsection A goes further and declares any inoperable motor vehicle, on public or private property alike, a nuisance outright; a person who ignores a County notice to dispose of a vehicle under their control is fined under § 350-22. Subsection B gives the County Sheriff authority to remove the vehicle, or its parts, seven days after the notice issues if the owner hasn't acted.

The rule doesn't reach every disabled car: it exempts a vehicle kept inside a building when not in use, an operable historic vehicle over 25 years old, and any vehicle on the premises of a licensed wrecking or junking business. Subsection C defines 'inoperable motor vehicle' as one missing its engine, wheels or other parts, or with those parts altered, damaged or otherwise treated, for at least seven days, so that it cannot be driven under its own power, citing the state vehicle code at 55 ILCS 5/5-1092.

A car temporarily down for ordinary service or repair doesn't count as inoperable under that definition, so routine maintenance in a driveway isn't a violation. Because the general zoning penalty in § 350-22 applies, an owner who ignores the notice is guilty of a petty offense; the County can also pursue a Circuit Court action to compel removal in addition to sending the Sheriff.