Nashville, TN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger (aged vehicle)
- Over 4 years old, unattended 10+ days
- Trigger (disrepair)
- Obvious disrepair, unattended 3+ days
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Codes Administration
- Appeal window
- 10 days from notice
- Scope
- Public streets, alleys, thoroughfares only
Summary
Metro Codes Administration can tag, tow and demolish an abandoned vehicle left on public streets, alleys or thoroughfares in Nashville and Davidson County.
No person shall permit an abandoned vehicle to remain on any alley, street, highway or thoroughfare within the area of the metropolitan government. "Abandoned motor vehicle" ... means a motor vehicle that is over four years old ... that is left unattended on public property for more than ten days, or a motor vehicle that is in an obvious state of disrepair and is left unattended on public property for more than three days.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metro Code § 12.08.210 bars leaving an abandoned vehicle on any alley, street, highway or thoroughfare in the metropolitan government area. A vehicle over four years old left unattended on public property more than ten days, or any vehicle in an obvious state of disrepair (inoperable, missing wheels or tires, burned, or more than one broken window) left more than three days, counts as abandoned. The Department of Codes Administration tags the vehicle, and if the owner doesn't remove it by the stated deadline, it's taken into custody for sale or demolition after mailed notice. This section covers vehicles on public property; it does not create a separate private-property junk-vehicle nuisance rule.
Violations & Fines
Vehicle tagged by Codes Administration; owner has 10 days after notice to appeal to the director or remove it, or it is taken into custody and may be disposed of to a demolisher or sold at public auction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a vehicle 'abandoned' in Nashville?
Can I get my car back after it's tagged?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
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