Middleton, WI Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

04(6)(h)(i) of the Traffic Code deems a motor vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, or mobile home abandoned, and a public nuisance, once it has sat unattended for more than forty-eight hours on a City street or highway, or on private or public property, without permission from the property owner or the person with lawful jurisdiction over it. The vehicle escapes that label only if it is out of ordinary public view or the Police Chief or a designee affirmatively decides it is not abandoned. Once a vehicle is abandoned, Subdivision (ii) requires removal and impoundment until it is lawfully claimed or disposed of, though the Police Chief may order it junked or sold early if towing and storage costs would exceed its value and it is not wanted as evidence; any vehicle over nineteen model years old must go through the standard disposal process.

Subdivision (iii) then sets a ten-day reclaim window after certified mail notice is sent to the owner and any lienholders of record under Wis. 40(3), during which the vehicle can be recovered on payment of all towing, storage, and notice charges, with a right to a hearing before the Chief of Police over the vehicle's determined value. If unclaimed, the City may sell the vehicle by public auction under Wis. 40(c) after Class 1 published notice, and the buyer has ten days to remove it before storage fees resume.

The owner remains liable in a civil action for any impoundment and disposal costs the sale does not cover. 00 if unpaid after five days, on top of any towing and storage charges.