Waukesha County, WI Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing statute
- Wis. Stat. 342.40
- Deemed abandoned
- 48 hrs or locally set period
- Enforcer (county)
- Sheriff's deputy
- Minimum storage
- 10 days after notice
- Cost liability
- Vehicle owner
Summary
Under Wis. Stat. 342.40, a vehicle left unattended without the owner's permission, beyond 48 hours in first-class cities, or a period set locally elsewhere, is deemed abandoned and a public nuisance. A sheriff's deputy or county traffic patrolman may have it removed and impounded.
Whenever any vehicle has been left unattended without the permission of the property owner for more than 48 hours in cities of the 1st class and, in other cities, villages and towns, a period set by the governing body thereof, the vehicle is deemed abandoned and constitutes a public nuisance.
Full Breakdown
Wisconsin's abandoned-vehicle law, Wis. Stat. 342.40, applies countywide. Section 342.40(1m) declares a vehicle abandoned once left unattended without the property owner's permission for more than 48 hours in first-class cities, or a period set by the local governing body elsewhere. Section 342.40(3)(a) authorizes a sheriff's deputy, county traffic patrolman, municipal police officer, state traffic officer, or conservation warden to remove any abandoned motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or mobile home from public or private property to impoundment. Vehicles are held at least 10 days after certified-mail notice to owner and lienholders before sale or donation. In unincorporated Waukesha County, the County Sheriff enforces this law.
Violations & Fines
The owner is responsible for all impound and disposal costs; unrecovered costs may be recovered by civil action, and the vehicle may be sold or donated after the 10-day notice period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a car is legally abandoned in Waukesha County?
Who removes an abandoned vehicle in unincorporated areas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waukesha County
Compare Waukesha County to another location·View the Wisconsin parking rules overview
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