Pawtucket, RI Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Max time before violation
- 3 days, § 383-3
- Enforcing agency
- Police Dept. or Zoning/Code Enforcement
- Pre-tow notice
- 48 hours posted, § 383-5
- Max fine
- $500, § 383-10
- Reclaim window after towing
- 3 weeks, § 383-7
Summary
Pawtucket bans parking, storing or leaving an abandoned or nonoperational motor vehicle on public or private property for more than three days under § 383-3. The Police Department or Division of Zoning and Code Enforcement can tow after 48-hour notice, or immediately if the vehicle leaks fuel or is otherwise hazardous.
No person shall park, store, leave or permit the parking, storing or leaving of any motor vehicle of any kind which is abandoned or nonoperational upon any public or private property within the city for a period of time in excess of three days. ... The presence of an abandoned or nonoperational vehicle or parts thereof on private or public property is hereby declared a public nuisance which may be abated as such in accordance with the provisions of this chapter ... Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter regarding abandoned motor vehicles on private property shall be fined not more than $500.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 383, the Abandoned, Nonoperational and Motor Vehicle Ordinance, defines an ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE as one over eight years old, inoperable, and left unattended on public property more than 48 hours, illegally on public property more than three days, or on private property without the owner's consent for more than three days. An ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE OF NO VALUE adds that it is over ten years old, has no current registration displayed, has a fair market value of $500 or less, and lacks a valid inspection sticker.
A NONOPERATIONAL MOTOR VEHICLE is one left unattended on private property more than three days without a current plate and inspection certificate and that is wrecked, dismantled or inoperative. Section 383-3 makes the presence of such a vehicle a declared public nuisance and bars leaving one on public or private property for more than three days, with exceptions for vehicles enclosed in a building, held by a licensed business in the right zone, adapted for drag strip or raceway use, or retained and registered as an antique.
Under § 383-4, the Police Department or Division of Zoning and Code Enforcement may take a vehicle into custody after a vehicle survey report, or a Municipal Court order, and interfering with that removal on private property is itself unlawful. Section 383-5 requires 48 hours' posted notice before towing an abandoned vehicle, or three days' written notice with a Municipal Court summons for a nonoperational vehicle left with the property owner's consent, but a vehicle leaking fuel or otherwise creating a substantial hazard can be towed immediately, with the owner entitled to a Municipal Court hearing within 14 days.
Violations & Fines
Section 383-10 fines any person who violates the chapter's provisions on abandoned motor vehicles on private property not more than $500, and the violator remains responsible for all removal and disposal costs paid by the property owner or the city. An unreclaimed vehicle is sold at public auction under § 383-8 after registered-mail notice to the owner and lienholders, who have three weeks from the notice date to reclaim it by paying towing, preservation and storage charges before losing all title and interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an inoperable car sit on my property in Pawtucket?
Does Pawtucket give notice before towing an abandoned vehicle?
What is the fine for an abandoned vehicle violation in Pawtucket?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pawtucket
Compare Pawtucket to another location·View the Rhode Island parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle abandoned vehicles.