Plainfield, NJ Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- More than five days outdoors on private land
- First-offense fine
- $200 listed, up to $500
- Covered vehicles
- Unregistered, uninspected, wrecked, stripped or inoperable
- Car cover exception
- One vehicle per property, form fitting cover
- Correction period
- Not less than five working days
- Towed vehicle hold
- 15 business days junk, 20 business days abandoned
Summary
In the City of Plainfield, no one can leave an unregistered, uninspected, wrecked, stripped or inoperable motor vehicle outdoors on private land for more than five days. One vehicle per property can stay in a driveway or backyard under a form fitting car cover. A first offense carries a listed fine of $200, up to $500.
(b) No person shall place, abandon, leave, keep, park or maintain, or permit the placing, abandoning, leaving, keeping, parking or maintaining of any motor vehicle described below out of doors upon any private land in the City of Plainfield for more than five days if said vehicle: (1) Does not have a current and valid registration and inspection sticker, or (2) Does not have all of its main component parts attached, or (3) Is wrecked, junked, stripped, inoperable or in a state of disrepair such that it is unsightly or unsafe, or (4) Is in such mechanical or physically damaged or deteriorating condition that it could not be immediately operated in a safe manner or if operated on a public roadway would be subject to a violation of N.J.S.A. 39:3-44 (unsafe vehicle) ... (c) Exceptions (1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the placing, keeping or storage of a motor vehicle referenced above if said vehicle is stored in an enclosed garage or building or no more than one such vehicle per property is stored in the driveway or backyard of the premises under a form fitting car cover specifically manufactured and sold for the type of vehicle stored.
Full Breakdown
Sec 2.03 of the Property Maintenance Code, restated in § 6:2-6 of the Plainfield Municipal Code, opens with a finding: outdoor storage, parking, repair or accumulation of abandoned, wrecked, junked, inoperable, unregistered, uninspected or damaged vehicles is contrary to the public welfare because of danger to children, unsightly views for neighbors, unsafe and nuisance conditions, and lower property values.
The operative rule bars anyone from placing, abandoning, leaving, keeping, parking or maintaining such a vehicle, or permitting it, out of doors on any private land in the City of Plainfield for more than five days. A vehicle is covered if it lacks a current and valid registration and inspection sticker, lacks all of its main component parts, is wrecked, junked, stripped or inoperable, or is too damaged to be operated safely or would violate N.J.S.A. 39:3-44 on a public road.
A vehicle is inoperable when it is being dismantled for sale, salvage, reclamation of parts or repair, or cannot be driven lawfully and safely under its own power. Main component parts means fenders, hood, wheels, radiator, motor, windows, doors, muffler, body or essential parts of the engine, and all other parts needed to drive the vehicle lawfully.
Two exceptions apply. A vehicle can stay in an enclosed garage or building, or one such vehicle per property can stay in the driveway or backyard under a form fitting car cover made for that type of vehicle. Lawfully existing new or used car dealers and junkyards that comply with all laws are exempt, as is temporary storage of registered, insured vehicles awaiting repairs at service stations. Parking or storage on public property is governed by State law or other City ordinance.
Sec 2.03 is one of the five sections enforced by summons and complaint mailed to the owner of record with not less than five working days to correct. Once a vehicle is towed, § 9:16A-23 gives a junk vehicle 15 business days and an abandoned vehicle 20 business days before the tow operator notifies the Plainfield Police Division, Traffic Section that it is ready for auction or sale.
Violations & Fines
Failure to remove an abandoned or disabled vehicle carries a listed first-offense fine of $200, up to $500. A second offense is $250 to $750, and/or not more than three days imprisonment, and/or community service. A third and later offense is $500 to $1,000 with five to 10 days imprisonment and/or community service. Auction proceeds from a towed vehicle first cover towing and storage, less a $25 administrative fee, and an owner stays liable for any bill the proceeds do not cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an unregistered car sit in a driveway in Plainfield?
What counts as an inoperable vehicle in Plainfield?
Does Sec 2.03 cover cars parked on Plainfield streets?
What fine applies to a junked vehicle in Plainfield?
Sources & Official References
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