Washington County, AR Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing Law
- Ark. Code 27-50-1201 et seq.
- Public Way
- Sheriff tags and tows
- Abandoned After
- 30 days unattended
- Private Property
- Nuisance if inoperable
Summary
Arkansas law lets the Washington County Sheriff tag and tow unattended and abandoned vehicles from public ways, and an inoperable junk vehicle left in view on private land is separately cited as a nuisance by county code enforcement.
'Abandoned vehicle' means a vehicle deemed to be an unattended vehicle as defined in this section: (A) As to which the owner has overtly manifested some intention not to retake possession; or (B) That remains unattended, whether in its first-found location or in another location to which it has been removed under this subchapter, for a period of thirty (30) days during which period the owner gives no evidence of an intent to retake possession
Full Breakdown
Under Ark. Code 27-50-1201 et seq., a vehicle left on or near a public way becomes an unattended vehicle and, after the required tag-and-notice period, an abandoned vehicle once it sits 30 days with no sign the owner intends to reclaim it. In unincorporated Washington County the Sheriff handles these, tagging the vehicle, checking for stolen status, and having it towed, after which the owner owes towing and storage costs. On private property, an inoperable, wrecked, or unregistered vehicle left visible from the road is handled as a nuisance by county code enforcement, which orders it removed, repaired, or screened. Current registration avoids abandoned classification.
Violations & Fines
An abandoned vehicle is towed and stored at the owner's expense under state law, and an unclaimed vehicle can proceed to sale; nuisance junk vehicles draw county abatement orders and fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who removes an abandoned car in unincorporated Washington County?
Can I keep an inoperable car in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington County
Compare Washington County to another location·View the Arkansas parking rules overview
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