Penn Hills, PA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- 72 hours before violation
- Street buffer
- 10 feet from public street
- Notice period
- 10 days to remove/fix
- Fine range
- $300–$1,000 plus costs
- Max jail term
- 90 days per violation
Summary
Municipality of Penn Hills code makes it illegal to keep an abandoned, unregistered, or nuisance motor vehicle, or one within 10 feet of a public street, for more than 72 hours, on public or private property alike.
No person shall keep or leave, or permit to be kept or left, any abandoned motor vehicle, or motor vehicle parts, as defined by this chapter, within the Municipality for more than 72 hours. No person shall keep or leave, or permit to be kept or left, any abandoned motor vehicle, as defined by this chapter, within 10 feet of public streets or alleys in the Municipality for more than 72 hours.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4434863; v5 updated 2025-07-21; through 07-21-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 478 of the Municipality of Penn Hills Code defines an abandoned motor vehicle broadly: unregistered, uninspected, or missing plates, or showing hazards like broken glass, protruding parts, flat tires, leaking fluids, or unsafe suspension. Under § 478.02(a), no one may keep such a vehicle, or leave one within 10 feet of a public street or alley, for more than 72 hours, on private or public property, with narrow exceptions for enclosed storage, licensed junkyards, vehicles being restored, and impound facilities. Police and Code Enforcement inspect, mail or post a 10-day notice to abate under § 478.03, and can then tow the vehicle at the Municipality's initial expense, billing the owner for towing, impoundment, and a 10% surcharge.
Violations & Fines
Conviction under § 478.03(a)(3) brings a fine of $300 to $1,000 plus costs, restitution for towing, and up to 90 days in jail; each additional day of violation after conviction is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an abandoned car sit on my property in Penn Hills?
Can Penn Hills tow an abandoned car from private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Penn Hills
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle abandoned vehicles.