North Richland Hills, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Public Property
- 48 hours inoperable
- Public Street
- 72 hours
- Governing Law
- TX Trans Code 683
- Reclaim Window
- 20 days
- Reporting
- (817) 427-6650
Summary
Under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 and NRH Code, a vehicle parked on public or private property for more than 48 hours without authorization, or more than 72 hours on a public street, is presumed abandoned and may be tagged, towed, and sold.
Sec. 683.002. ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE. (a) For the purposes of this chapter, a motor vehicle is abandoned if the motor vehicle: (1) is inoperable, is more than five years old, and has been left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours; (2) has remained illegally on public property for more than 48 hours; (3) has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in charge of the property for more than 48 hours; (4) has been left unattended on the right-of-way of a designated county, state, or federal highway for more than 48 hours; (5) has been left unattended for more than 24 hours on the right-of-way of a turnpike project [...] or a controlled access highway.
Full Breakdown
Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 and NRH Code of Ordinances Chapter 54 govern abandoned vehicles. A vehicle is presumed abandoned if it is left on public property for more than 48 hours and appears inoperable (flat tires, expired registration, missing parts), left on public streets for more than 72 hours even if operable, left on private property without consent of the owner, or is wrecked, dismantled, or burned. NRH Police or Code Compliance officers tag suspected abandoned vehicles with a warning and note in their records.
After the statutory notice period, the vehicle is towed to a licensed Vehicle Storage Facility. Owners are notified by certified mail and have 20 days to reclaim the vehicle and pay towing and storage fees. Unclaimed vehicles are auctioned under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2303. Residents can report suspected abandoned vehicles to NRH Code Compliance at (817) 427-6650. Private property owners wishing to tow abandoned vehicles from their lot must post proper signage meeting Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 requirements and use a licensed tow company.
Violations & Fines
Abandoning a vehicle is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to 500 dollars, plus towing fees (typically 200 to 400 dollars) and storage fees of 20 to 50 dollars per day under TDLR rate caps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report an abandoned car on my NRH street?
Can I tow a car dumped in front of my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in North Richland Hills
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle abandoned vehicles.