Clay County, MO Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing Law
- Mo. Rev. Stat. 304.155
- Public Property
- Sheriff may authorize tow
- Private Property
- Nuisance if inoperable
- Cost
- Owner pays tow and storage
Summary
Missouri Revised Statutes 304.155 lets the Clay County Sheriff authorize towing of abandoned vehicles from public property, and inoperable junk vehicles left in view on private land are separately cited as a nuisance by county code compliance.
Any law enforcement officer within the officer's jurisdiction, or an officer of a government agency where that agency's real property is concerned, may authorize a towing company to remove to a place of safety:
Full Breakdown
Under Missouri Revised Statutes 304.155, a law enforcement officer may authorize a towing company to remove an abandoned vehicle to a place of safety. In unincorporated Clay County the Sheriff takes abandoned-vehicle reports, checks for stolen status, tags the vehicle, and has it towed, after which the last owner receives notice and owes towing and storage costs. On private property, an inoperable, wrecked, or unregistered vehicle left visible is handled as a nuisance by county code compliance, which orders it removed, repaired, or screened. Vehicles must carry current registration to avoid abandoned classification.
Violations & Fines
An abandoned vehicle is towed and stored at the owner's expense under state law; unclaimed vehicles proceed to sale, and nuisance junk vehicles draw county abatement orders and fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who removes an abandoned car in unincorporated Clay County?
Can I keep an inoperable car in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clay County
Compare Clay County to another location·View the Missouri parking rules overview
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