Minneapolis, MN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Street time limit
- 72 consecutive hours
- Fine range
- $25 to $100
- Private property rule
- Inoperable vehicles must be enclosed
- Enforcement
- Immediate police impound
Summary
Minneapolis presumes any vehicle left on a street or highway for more than 72 consecutive hours abandoned and impounds it; inoperable vehicles on private property must be stored inside an enclosed garage, not parked outdoors.
No abandoned motor vehicle shall remain upon any street or highway in the city. Any vehicle which is permitted to remain upon any street or highway in the city in excess of seventy-two (72) consecutive hours or any vehicle lacking vital component parts shall be presumed to be abandoned and may be immediately removed and impounded by any police officer or duly authorized person in accordance with this code.
(b)Any person violating the terms of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00). (Code 1960, As Amend., § 421.190; 79-Or-123, § 1, 6-8-79)
State Law reference— Abandoned vehicles, M.S. Ch. 168B.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 478.250 bars any abandoned motor vehicle from remaining on a city street or highway; a vehicle sitting in one spot more than 72 consecutive hours, or one lacking vital component parts, is presumed abandoned and police may immediately remove and impound it. Violators face a fine of $25 to $100. Separately, the zoning code's § 555.60 requires that inoperable vehicles on private property be stored only inside an enclosed garage: outdoor parking or storage of an inoperable vehicle is prohibited citywide, regardless of the 72-hour street rule.
Violations & Fines
Fine of $25 to $100 per violation of the street rule; the vehicle may also be impounded at owner's expense. Private-property violations of § 555.60 are enforced as zoning code violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car sit on a Minneapolis street before it's towed?
Can I store a non-running car in my driveway in Minneapolis?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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