Paterson, NJ Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Public ROW storage limit
- 90 days before junk title
- Private-lot notice period
- 10 days to remove
- Enforcing agencies
- Police Dept. and Public Works
- Cost recovery
- Tax lien on property
Summary
Paterson police tow abandoned vehicles from streets and other public rights-of-way at no charge and store them up to 90 days. On private lots, the city instead mails owners a 10-day notice to clear a junked or dismantled vehicle before removing it themselves.
The requirement to tow abandoned motor vehicles shall only apply to public rights-of-way, easements, avenues, and places, including public parks and playgrounds, and all quasi-public areas. The owner of private property shall be responsible for the removal of any unattended or disabled vehicles in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.6 and shall employ a tower of his or her choice.
(d) The City retains the right to require that the abandoned vehicle shall be towed to municipal property and to retain any sums of money realized from the sale of such vehicles. The City shall pay the towers reasonable fees as set forth in this chapter for towing a vehicle sold in this manner from the proceeds of the sale. Abandoned vehicles, not claimed by the owner or lien-holder, may be sold at public auction pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 39:10A-1 through 39:10A-7. Before the sale at auction of an abandoned vehicle, the City will obtain the appropriate junk title or certificate of ownership for said abandoned vehicle from the Division of Motor Vehicles. Otherwise, it shall be the responsibility of the tower to provide for the disposition of abandoned vehicles and the issuance of junk motor vehicle titles in accordance with the provisions of Title 39. The City Police Department shall assist in providing any information needed for the proper disposition of such vehicles.
(e)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 453 limits mandatory police towing of abandoned vehicles to public rights-of-way, easements, streets, parks, and quasi-public areas; the rotation tower stores each vehicle free to the City for up to 90 days before pursuing a junk title through the Division of Motor Vehicles. On private property, the code places removal on the owner under state law, who employs a tower of his or her own choosing. Separately, Chapter 313's litter ordinance lets the Department of Public Works mail the owner of any open or vacant private lot a notice demanding removal of an abandoned, junked, or dismantled motor vehicle; if it is not gone within 10 days, the city removes it and certifies the cost as a lien against the property.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a Public Works removal notice for 10 days lets the city remove the vehicle itself and place a tax lien on the property for the cost, plus interest at the statutory tax rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who tows an abandoned car off a Paterson street?
What happens to a junked car left on private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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