New Britain, CT Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Removal window
- 24 hours after notification sticker
- Immediate removal
- Menace vehicles taken right away, Sec. 15-41
- Notice deadline
- Certified mail within 48 hours of custody
- Sale timing
- 15 days (≤$500) or 90 days (>$500)
- Title vesting
- Immediate if vehicle worth $100 or less
- Appeal window
- 15 days to Superior Court
Summary
When a New Britain police officer finds an apparently abandoned or unregistered vehicle, Sec. 15-42 requires a notification sticker giving 24 hours to move it before the police department tows and stores it at the owner's expense. A vehicle that is an immediate menace to traffic or safety can be taken into custody right away under Sec. 15-41.
Any officer attached to the New Britain Police Department, upon discovery of any motor vehicle apparently abandoned or a motor vehicle without proper registration, whether situated within or without any highway of the city, shall affix to such motor vehicle a notification sticker in a manner so as to be readily visible. Such notification sticker shall contain the following information: (1)The date and time the notification sticker was affixed to the motor vehicle;(2)A statement that, pursuant to this section, if the motor vehicle is not removed within twenty-four (24) hours of the time the sticker was affixed, it may be taken into custody and stored at the owner's expense;(3)The location and telephone number where additional information may be obtained;(4)The identity of the affixing officer. If the motor vehicle is not removed within such twenty-four (24) hour period, the police department may take such motor vehicle into its custody and cause the same to be stored in a suitable place.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 15-41 lets any New Britain police officer immediately take custody of a vehicle that is a menace to traffic or public health or safety, on or off a highway. For a vehicle that is merely apparently abandoned or lacks proper registration, Sec. 15-42 instead requires the officer to affix a readily visible notification sticker stating the date and time it was posted, that the vehicle may be towed and stored at the owner's expense if not moved within 24 hours, contact information, and the officer's identity.
If it is still there after 24 hours, the police department may tow and store it. Within 48 hours of taking a vehicle into custody, Sec. 15-43 requires the department to run an NCIC stolen-vehicle check and mail certified notice to the owner and any lienholder describing the storage location, the right to a hearing within 10 days, and that the vehicle may be sold after 15 days if worth $500 or less, or after 90 days if worth more. Sec. 15-45 vests title in the City of New Britain immediately, without a sale, if the vehicle has no valid plates, is apparently abandoned, is worth $100 or less, and is too damaged to be usable.
Owners can contest a tow before a hearing officer the mayor appoints under Sec. 15-49, and anyone aggrieved by that decision has 15 days to appeal to the Superior Court for the Judicial District of Hartford-New Britain.
Violations & Fines
There is no separate fine for the vehicle owner under this article; instead, the owner bears the towing and storage costs, and the garage or the city holds a lien on the vehicle for those charges under Sec. 15-46. If storage and sale costs exceed the sale proceeds, Sec. 15-45 makes the last registered owner personally liable to the city for the shortfall, and any unclaimed sale balance escheats to the City of New Britain after one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an abandoned car have before it gets towed in New Britain?
Who pays to get a towed vehicle back?
Can I contest a tow?
Sources & Official References
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