Rock County, WI Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Wis. Stat. 342.40
- Abandoned after
- 48 hours unattended (or local period)
- Who removes it
- Sheriff's deputy or police officer
- Owner pays
- All towing and impound costs
- Report to
- Rock County Sheriff's Office
Summary
Wisconsin law makes an abandoned vehicle a public nuisance and lets the Rock County Sheriff or a local officer tow it. A vehicle left unattended without permission for more than 48 hours (or a shorter time set locally) is deemed abandoned, and the owner pays all towing and impound costs.
Any municipal or university police officer, police officer appointed under s. 16.84 (2), sheriff's deputy, county traffic patrolman, state traffic officer or conservation warden who discovers any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, or mobile home on any public highway or private or public property which has been abandoned shall cause the vehicle to be removed to a suitable place of impoundment.
Full Breakdown
Rock County enforces the statewide abandoned-vehicle law, Wis. Stat. 342.40. It bars leaving any vehicle, trailer, or mobile home on public or private property so it reasonably appears abandoned. A sheriff's deputy, county traffic patrol officer, or municipal police officer who finds such a vehicle must have it towed to impound. If towing and storage would cost more than the vehicle's value, the county may junk, donate, or sell it once the sheriff confirms it is not stolen or wanted for evidence. The owner is liable for all impound and disposal costs. To report an abandoned vehicle, contact the Rock County Sheriff's Office or your local police.
Violations & Fines
The abandoned vehicle is a public nuisance; the owner, except of a stolen vehicle, is responsible for the abandonment and all costs of impounding and disposing of the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a car is abandoned in Wisconsin?
Can the sheriff tow an abandoned car from private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock County
Compare Rock County to another location·View the Wisconsin parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.