New Bedford, MA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Section 12-48 declares it unlawful to abandon a motor vehicle, or any part of one, on any highway within New Bedford, and equally unlawful to abandon one on private or public property other than a highway if it is visible to the general public. On private property that does not belong to the vehicle's owner, the inspector of buildings can authorize removal after a 48-hour waiting period. On a highway, the chief of police can authorize removal once a vehicle has sat for 10 hours or more, and immediate removal is authorized without any waiting period if an abandoned, wrecked, burned, or partially dismantled vehicle is creating a traffic hazard.

Whichever official authorizes the tow, the registered owner bears all towing costs. The police department must log the color, year, manufacturer, body style, VIN, and plate for every towed vehicle, along with the date, location towed from and to, and the reason for the tow. When ownership is unknown, the department searches the registry of motor vehicles and the state police stolen-vehicle and NCIC files, then notifies the owner by certified mail. An owner reclaims a vehicle only by proving ownership or right to possession and paying all towing and storage charges.

If a vehicle seven years old or newer sits unclaimed for 30 days after notice, the police department sells it at public sale following at least 10 days' posted notice at the impound site, with proceeds after towing, storage, and processing costs paid into the city treasury. Police officers and towing operators are shielded from liability for vehicles processed and disposed of under this section.