Louisiana Revised Statute 32:473 and New Orleans city ordinance authorize the towing and disposal of abandoned vehicles on public streets and private property. A vehicle is generally considered abandoned when left for an extended period without movement, when it lacks valid registration or plates, or when it is wrecked or inoperable in public view. The city accepts complaints through 311, and after notice and a holding period, vehicles can be sold at auction or scrapped.
Under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:473 and corresponding provisions of the New Orleans Code, an abandoned vehicle on a public street is one that has been left unattended for a defined period (commonly 48 hours after a warning, or longer where less obstructive), or that is inoperable, missing major parts, or lacking current registration. Code Enforcement and the New Orleans Police Department respond to 311 reports by tagging the vehicle with a notice giving the owner a short window to remove it. If unremoved after the window, the vehicle is towed to the city auto pound. Owners can reclaim a towed vehicle by paying tow and storage fees and presenting proof of ownership and current registration. After a statutory holding period (typically around 30 days following proper notice to the registered owner and lienholder), unclaimed vehicles can be sold at public auction or, if of minimal value, scrapped. On private property, owners can request removal of an abandoned vehicle through a private tow operator following statutory notice procedures, but cannot simply have a car towed without proper authorization. Storing an inoperable vehicle in public view in a residential yard is prohibited and is a frequent Code Enforcement complaint; vehicles must be either operable and registered, garaged, or covered with an opaque cover behind required setbacks. Junk vehicles repeatedly cited may be removed at the property owner's expense and a lien placed on the property.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact New Orleans code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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