Roseville, MN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Sec. 405.04 declares abandoned, junk, unauthorized and inoperable vehicles a public nuisance creating a hazard to public health and safety. The code gives the reasons in its own words: such vehicles invite plundering, create fire hazards, attract vermin, and present physical dangers to children and other citizens. Subsection (a) then makes it unlawful for a person to pile, store or keep them on private or public property.

The definitions in Sec. 405.01 decide what counts. A junk vehicle is an inoperable motor vehicle that is in inoperable condition, partially dismantled, used for sale of parts, a source of repair or replacement parts for other vehicles, or kept for scrapping, dismantling or salvage. Unless it is kept in an enclosed garage, an abandoned vehicle is also a junk vehicle. Inoperable condition can include a missing or defective vital component part, storage on blocks, jacks or other supports, or a load that obstructs the driver's view. Vital component parts include the motor, drive train, and wheels. An unauthorized vehicle is one subject to removal under Minn. Stat. § 168B.035 or 168B.04, subd. 2 that is not abandoned or junk. Snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles are excluded from the term vehicle.

Subsection (d) adds a registration test: a vehicle or other equipment that requires registration in the state is deemed junked, inoperable, unauthorized or abandoned if it has no valid registration attached from the proper state agency, except where state law expressly permits.

Subsections (b) and (c) separately declare a vehicle a public nuisance when it is stopped, standing or parked in violation of an ordinance or state statute, is reported stolen, impedes firefighting, snow removal, plowing or traffic flow, or impedes public road or utility work after at least 12 hours of advance notice to the owner or user.

Under subsection (e), impounded vehicles are released only on payment of impound, towing and storage fees, and notice and sale follow Minn. Stat. ch. 168B.