Multnomah County, OR Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Multnomah County Code Chapter 14.700 (Abandoned Vehicles) defines an abandoned vehicle as one left on public right-of-way for more than 24 hours that is inoperable, lacks current registration, or meets other distress criteria (flat tires, broken windows, missing parts). The Multnomah County Sheriff's Abandoned Auto Unit tags and removes vehicles from county roads in unincorporated areas. Portland City Code 16.30 and 16.20.170 work together — PBOT Parking Enforcement tags vehicles with an orange abandoned auto sticker and may tow after 72 hours under ORS 819.110. Report abandoned vehicles in Portland to 503-823-SAFE or PDX Reporter. On private property, MCC 39.6205 and PCC 29.20 require inoperable or unregistered vehicles to be stored in an enclosed garage or behind an opaque 6-foot screen; junked vehicles visible from the public way are a code violation and health nuisance under Oregon Administrative Rules. Tow operators must be licensed by the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (ORS 822.115) and must hold vehicles at an approved tow facility. Owners have 20 days to claim and pay tow/storage fees before the vehicle is sold at public auction. Recreational vehicles living-parked on public streets fall under Portland's Prosper Portland RV/Safe Rest Village rules and state ORS 203.079.