Tarrant County, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 (the Abandoned Motor Vehicles Act) provides the framework for handling abandoned vehicles throughout Tarrant County unincorporated areas. A vehicle is considered abandoned if it has been left unattended on a public roadway for more than 48 hours, if it is on public property without lawful authority for more than 48 hours, if it is inoperable and on private property more than 72 hours (commonly 30 days if stored on the owner private property without complaints), or if it has been left at a repair facility or storage facility for more than 10 days after agreed pickup. The Tarrant County Sheriff Office or a constable tags the vehicle, provides notice to the last known registered owner and any lienholder, and may authorize removal by a licensed vehicle storage facility (VSF) registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The owner has 20 days from notice to reclaim the vehicle by paying towing, impoundment, and storage fees before the vehicle can be sold at a public auction under Section 683.012. On private property, a landowner may have a vehicle towed without law enforcement involvement if signs are posted or written authorization is provided. Junked vehicles kept in public view on private property for more than 30 days (wrecked, dismantled, inoperative, or without current registration) are declared a public nuisance under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683, Subchapter E, and code enforcement may order removal.