Under Wisconsin Statute 342.40, a vehicle left unattended without permission for the period set by the local governing body is deemed abandoned and a public nuisance. Milwaukee County and each municipality may enact ordinances to remove and dispose of abandoned vehicles.
Wisconsin sets the framework statewide. Under Wis. Stat. 342.40(1m), no person shall leave a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer or mobile home unattended on public or private property so as to reasonably appear abandoned; once left without permission beyond the period set by the governing body it is deemed a public nuisance. The statute authorizes any municipality or county to enact removal and disposal ordinances and recover impound costs. An officer, sheriff's deputy or county traffic officer who finds an abandoned vehicle must have it impounded. Retained vehicles are held at least 10 days after certified-mail notice before sale or donation. Report suspected abandoned vehicles to the municipality where it sits, or on county land to the Milwaukee County Sheriff.
The owner of an abandoned vehicle, except a stolen one, is responsible for all impound and disposal costs, recoverable by civil action. Vehicles impounded under 342.40 are held at least 10 days after certified-mail notice, then sold, junked, or donated.
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