Wisconsin Stat. §342.40 and §349.13 let Dane County and its municipalities tag and tow vehicles left over 48 hours on public ways or stored inoperable in view. Madison (MGO §12.82) gives 48-hour notice. Dane County Code §48.09 covers unincorporated junk vehicles on private property.
Under Wis. Stat. §342.40, any vehicle left unattended on a public highway or on private land without consent for more than 48 hours is presumed abandoned and may be impounded by police. Madison General Ordinance §12.82 allows Parking Enforcement to mark a tire and tow after 48 hours. Fitchburg (§14-70), Middleton (§10-2-7), Verona (§7-1-5), Sun Prairie (§10.12), and Stoughton (§70-52) adopt substantially similar rules. Dane County Code §48.09 prohibits the outdoor storage of junked, wrecked, or unlicensed motor vehicles in unincorporated areas visible from public ways or neighboring property unless fully enclosed or screened by a six-foot opaque fence. Vehicles must display current Wisconsin registration under Wis. Stat. §341.04 or be classified as collector vehicles under §341.266. Owners receive a 10-day mailed notice before disposal under Wis. Stat. §342.40(3). Towing and storage fees accrue from day one.
Madison impound plus tow is approximately $150 tow, $25 per day storage, $75 administrative fee (MGO §12.82). Dane County §48.09 junk-vehicle citations start at $199 with daily continuing violations. Unregistered vehicle forfeiture Wis. Stat. §341.04 $200 to $500.
Middleton, WI
Middleton regulates amplified music under its general noise ordinance. The Good Neighbor Festival and Hubbard Avenue Diner summer events have special noise p...
Middleton, WI
Middleton considers excessive barking a nuisance. Animal control handles complaints. WI Stat. §174 covers dog regulation statewide.
Middleton, WI
Middleton enforces quiet hours typically 10 PM to 7 AM. Noise disturbances enforceable under WI Stat. §947.01 (Disorderly Conduct).
Middleton, WI
City of Middleton Zoning Ordinance Sec. 10.06.40 limits residential fences to 6 feet in height (including posts) in side and rear yards. In the front or stre...
Middleton, WI
WI Stat. §90.02 to 90.14 provides line fence cost-sharing for rural/agricultural land. Urban residential fences: each owner responsible for their own.
Middleton, WI
Middleton may allow residential beekeeping with hive limits and setbacks. Registration with WI DATCP required. WI Stat. §94.76.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dane County.
See how Middleton's abandoned vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.