Denton County, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- TX Transportation Code Ch. 683
- Tag Period
- 48 hours on public property
- Fine Range
- $500 to $2,000
- Repeat Offense
- Up to $4,000 fine
Summary
Abandoned vehicles in unincorporated Denton County are handled under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683. Vehicles left on public property or rights-of-way for more than 48 hours may be tagged and towed. Junked vehicles on private property may be addressed through county nuisance abatement.
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. Sec. 683.011. (a) A law enforcement agency may take into custody an abandoned motor vehicle...found on public or private property.
Full Breakdown
Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 governs abandoned motor vehicles statewide. In unincorporated Denton County, the Sheriff's Office may tag a vehicle as abandoned if it is left on public property, a county right-of-way, or another's private property without consent for more than 48 hours. After tagging, the vehicle owner has the time specified in the notice to move it before the county authorizes towing to a vehicle storage facility. The owner must pay towing and storage fees to reclaim the vehicle. If unclaimed after the statutory period, the vehicle may be auctioned. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 683 also addresses junked vehicles on private property visible from public areas. These are vehicles that are wrecked, dismantled, or inoperable and missing required parts. Denton County may pursue nuisance abatement proceedings for junked vehicles in unincorporated areas through the county attorney. Multiple inoperable vehicles on residential acreage are common in rural Denton County and are generally only addressed upon complaint.
Violations & Fines
Abandoning a vehicle on public property is a misdemeanor under Texas Transportation Code 683.071, punishable by a fine of $500 to $2,000. Repeat violations within two years may result in fines up to $4,000. The vehicle owner is also liable for all towing and storage costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered an abandoned vehicle in Denton County?
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in unincorporated Denton County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton County to another location·View the Texas parking rules overview
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