Murfreesboro, TN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Abandoned threshold
- 48+ hours, illegally parked
- Nuisance threshold
- 24 hours on public property
- Also covers
- RVs, campers, sailboats
- Unclaimed sale
- after 30 days (§ 32-1707)
- Private property
- not covered since 1992 repeal
Summary
Murfreesboro treats a motor vehicle illegally left on public property more than 48 hours as abandoned, and declares any abandoned, dismantled, or inoperable vehicle sitting on a public street, City lot, or the Civic Plaza garage for 24 hours a nuisance the City may tow.
(A)An abandoned motor vehicle means a motor vehicle that has remained illegally on public property for a period of more than 48 hours.(B)An inoperable motor vehicle means a motor vehicle that is unable to be self propelled.(C)The presence of an abandoned, dismantled, or inoperable motor vehicle or other personal property, including but not limited to, recreational vehicle, camper, or sailboat, parked on a public street, in a City parking lot, or Civic Plaza parking garage for 24 hours is hereby declared a nuisance, which may be abated in accordance with the provisions of this article.(D)It shall be unlawful for any person to leave a motor vehicle in the Civic Plaza Parking Garage, or any City parking lot for a continuous and uninterrupted period of 48 hours. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this section shall not apply to any vehicle of a juror who is sequestered during a criminal trial, a City vehicle, a county vehicle, or a City or county employee's vehicle, provided the employee has the written permission of the City Manager or county executive, or designee, clearly displayed on the dash of the motor vehicle so it is visible through the windshield. (Ord. No. 89-42 § 1, 09-28-89; Ord. No. 92-37 § 1, 07-30-92)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Code § 32-1800, a motor vehicle that has sat illegally on public property more than 48 hours is 'abandoned,' and one that can't move under its own power is 'inoperable.' Either type, or any dismantled vehicle, plus other property like an RV, camper, or sailboat, left on a public street, City parking lot, or the Civic Plaza garage for 24 hours is a declared nuisance. Police may take the vehicle into custody and have it towed and stored under § 32-1802, with notice and disposal following §§ 32-1702–32-1707. This article covers public property only; its old private-property counterpart, former § 32-1801, was repealed in 1992.
Violations & Fines
Vehicles may be towed, impounded, and sold if unclaimed after 30 days; the owner is liable for towing and storage costs, and violation is a misdemeanor with up to a $50.00 fine per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a broken-down car sit on a Murfreesboro street?
Does this rule reach an abandoned car in someone's yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
Compare Murfreesboro to another location·View the Tennessee parking rules overview
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