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St. Joseph County, IN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Public property
Abandoned after 24 hours
Private property
48 hours without consent
Enforcement
Sheriff, city police
Outcome
Towed at owner expense

Summary

Under Indiana Code 9-13-2-1 a vehicle is abandoned once it sits on public property for 24 hours, blocks traffic, or remains on private property without the owner's consent for more than 48 hours, after which it may be towed.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of St. Joseph County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

"Abandoned vehicle" means the following: (1) A vehicle located on public property illegally. (2) A vehicle left on public property without being moved for twenty-four (24) hours. (3) A vehicle located on public property in such a manner as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a public right-of-way. (4) A vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of that property for more than forty-eight (48) hours.

Source: Indiana CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Indiana's abandoned-vehicle law applies across St. Joseph County. A vehicle counts as abandoned when it is left illegally on public property, sits unmoved on public property for 24 hours, obstructs traffic, or stays on private property without the owner's or occupant's consent for more than 48 hours. In unincorporated areas the Sheriff and county handle abandoned vehicles; South Bend and Mishawaka police and code enforcement do so in the cities. The vehicle is tagged, towed to storage, and the last owner is notified and owes towing and storage costs; unclaimed vehicles are sold or scrapped.

Violations & Fines

An abandoned vehicle is tagged, towed, and stored at the last owner's expense; a private-property owner may have it removed after 48 hours, and unclaimed vehicles are sold or disposed of.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a car legally abandoned in St. Joseph County?
After 24 hours unmoved on public property, or more than 48 hours on private property without the owner's consent, under Indiana Code 9-13-2-1.
How do I get an abandoned car removed from my property?
Report it after it has sat 48 hours without your consent; the Sheriff or city can tag and tow it at the owner's expense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in St. Joseph County

Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsRV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsLoading ZonesSome RestrictionsDriveway RulesSome RestrictionsCommercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsLight RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesSignificant Restrictions

All St. Joseph County rules

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