Portland, OR Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Abandoned =
- 24+ hrs, unregistered/inoperative/wrecked
- Standard tow notice
- 72 hours after warning posted
- Safety-threat tow notice
- 24 hours after warning posted
- Applies on
- public right-of-way or private property
- Unclaimed vehicle sold after
- 15-30 days storage
Summary
Portland tows vehicles left in violation for over 24 hours that are unregistered, inoperative, or wrecked and dismantled: with just 24 hours' notice if the vehicle is an immediate safety threat.
16.90.005 Abandoned Vehicle. A vehicle that remains in violation for more than 24 hours and one or more of the following conditions exist: A. The vehicle does not have a lawfully affixed, unexpired registration plate, or fails to display current registration. B. The vehicle appears to be inoperative or disabled. C. The vehicle appears to be wrecked, partially dismantled or junked. ... 16.30.225 B. A vehicle may be towed 72 hours after notice of intent to tow has been affixed to or placed on the vehicle if the vehicle is an abandoned vehicle.
Full Breakdown
City Code defines an abandoned vehicle as one that has sat in violation more than 24 hours and is unregistered or lacks current registration, appears inoperative or disabled, or appears wrecked, partially dismantled, or junked (Section 16.90.005). Authorized officers can order such a vehicle towed from any public right-of-way or City property, or from private property, even without the property owner's permission (Section 16.30.210). Notice is normally 72 hours after a tow-warning is affixed to the vehicle, but drops to 24 hours if the vehicle is an immediate threat to public health or safety (Section 16.30.225). Owners can contest a tow before the Tow Hearings Officer.
Violations & Fines
Towing and storage charges become a lien on the vehicle; unclaimed vehicles can be sold after 15 days if appraised at $750 or less, or after 30 days regardless of value. Anyone who tows a vehicle from a public street without City Code authority risks a civil penalty up to $1,000 per vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Portland tow an abandoned vehicle from my private property?
How much notice does Portland give before towing an abandoned vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.