El Paso County, CO Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- C.R.S. §42-4-1802
- ROW Limit
- 72 hours
- Private Storage
- Enclosed or screened
- Registration
- Over 60 days expired = junk
Summary
El Paso County enforces Colorado's abandoned vehicle law (C.R.S. §42-4-1802 through 1805). Vehicles left on public right-of-way for 72+ hours or inoperable vehicles visible from the street on private property may be tagged and towed.
42-4-1802. Definitions. As used in this part 18, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Abandoned motor vehicle" means:
(a) Any motor vehicle left unattended on public property, including any portion of a highway right-of-way, outside the limits of any incorporated town or city for a period of forty-eight hours or longer;
(b) Any motor vehicle left unattended on public property, including any portion of a highway right-of-way, within the limits of any incorporated town or city for a period longer than any limit prescribed by any local ordinance concerning the abandonment of motor vehicles or, if there is no such ordinance, for a period of forty-eight hours or longer;
(c) Any motor vehicle stored in an
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
El Paso County Sheriff's Office and code enforcement handle abandoned vehicle complaints under Colorado Revised Statutes §42-4-1802 through §42-4-1805 and County Land Development Code nuisance provisions. Public right-of-way: a vehicle parked in the same spot for more than 72 hours is presumed abandoned; officers affix a warning tag and if not moved within the notice period, arrange for towing through contracted tow companies. On private property in unincorporated areas, the Land Development Code prohibits storage of inoperable, wrecked, or unregistered vehicles visible from a public street or adjoining property. Such vehicles must be stored inside a garage or behind an opaque 6-foot fence/screen, or must be actively under repair with documentation. Vehicles missing major components (engine, transmission, wheels), with expired registration over 60 days, or with flat/deflated tires qualify as junk vehicles. Notice periods run 10-30 days. Unclaimed towed vehicles proceed to public auction under C.R.S. §42-4-2103.
Violations & Fines
Notice period typically 10-30 days for private property; 72 hours for public ROW. Towing and storage at owner expense ($200-$500+ typical in El Paso County). Additional $100-$500 zoning violation fines for repeat or uncured violations. Unclaimed: vehicle auctioned to satisfy tow lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical penalties for violating abandoned vehicles rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso County
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