Mount Prospect, IL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Article XVIII of Chapter 18 of the Mount Prospect Village Code governs abandoned, lost, stolen or unclaimed vehicles. Section 18.1801 A bars leaving any vehicle anywhere in the Village for such time and under such circumstances that it reasonably appears abandoned. Subsection B extends the ban to private or public property other than a street when the vehicle is in view of the general public, unless the vehicle sits on the property of its owner or bailee.

For public ways, the definitions in Section 18.140 describe an abandoned vehicle as a motor vehicle standing or parked on a public way that is either in such disrepair that it cannot be driven or operated, or unmoved or unused for seven consecutive days or more.

Section 18.1803 sets removal triggers. A vehicle abandoned on a street ten hours or more can be removed by a towing service authorized by the Police Department. A wrecked, burned, unattended or partially dismantled vehicle that creates a traffic hazard or impedes traffic can be removed immediately from the street or from private property adjacent to it. The owner is responsible for all towing costs whether the tow comes from public or private property. Anyone who holds an abandoned vehicle without owning it must notify the Police Department immediately under Section 18.1802.

The Police Department keeps a tow record and searches Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois State Police files under Sections 18.1804 to 18.1806. An owner can reclaim the vehicle before sale by showing proof of ownership or right to possession, but Section 18.1807 releases no vehicle until all towing and storage charges are paid.

Disposal depends on age. A vehicle seven years old or newer that stays unclaimed thirty days after notice is sold to the highest bidder, with notice posted at least ten days before the sale and sent by certified mail. If the owner cannot be identified, a vehicle four years old or newer can be sold without notice. An abandoned vehicle more than seven years old is held a minimum of ten days and is then disposed of as junk only, while an antique vehicle can be sold to someone who wants to restore it. Sale proceeds, after towing, storage and processing charges, go to the Village treasury.

Separately, Section 23.1403 D makes it a nuisance to allow a motor vehicle not in operating condition or current use, or motor vehicle parts, to accumulate on any public or private grounds within the Village or within one-half mile of its corporate limits.