Rowlett, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Rowlett treats junked and inoperable vehicles as a code violation. According to the city's published 'Common Code Violations' guide, Sections 22-81 through 22-87 of the Rowlett code address junk motor vehicles, defining 'inoperable' as not capable of being used or operated due to legal or mechanical incapability. An inoperable, dismantled or wrecked vehicle stored in public view is a violation subject to abatement by Neighborhood Services. On public streets and property, abandonment is governed by Texas Transportation Code Section 683.002, which applies statewide. Under that statute a motor vehicle is abandoned if it is inoperable, more than five years old, and left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours; has remained illegally on public property for more than 48 hours; has remained on private property without the owner's consent for more than 48 hours; or has been left unattended on the right-of-way of a designated county, state or federal highway for more than 48 hours (24 hours on certain controlled-access or turnpike rights-of-way). Once a vehicle meets the definition, the city or a law enforcement agency may take it into custody and have it towed and stored, with notice to the owner. Rowlett's Police Department coordinates abandoned-vehicle towing. Owners are responsible for towing and storage costs.