Shelby County, TN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- County tow authority
- Wrecked/abandoned in street (Sec. 24-199)
- Impound cost
- $60 tow + $7/day storage
- Inoperable on private lot
- Barred in residential zone (UDC 2.6.3.P)
- State law
- T.C.A. Title 55, Ch. 16
- Report to
- Mayor's Action Center
Summary
When a motor vehicle is wrecked or abandoned in a street, highway, or alley in unincorporated Shelby County, Section 24-199 authorizes the sheriff to tow and store it until the owner claims it, and storing inoperable vehicles in a residential zone is barred by the Unified Development Code.
Whenever a motor vehicle is wrecked or abandoned in the street, highway or alley, or is found parked in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, and it becomes necessary, in the opinion of the sheriff's department, to remove such vehicle from the roadway as an obstruction, such vehicle shall be towed to storage.
Full Breakdown
Shelby County Code Section 24-199 provides that whenever a motor vehicle is wrecked or abandoned in a street, highway, or alley, or found parked in violation of Chapter 24, and it becomes necessary in the sheriff's opinion to remove it as an obstruction, the vehicle is towed to storage and held until the owner proves ownership. Charges are $60.00 to tow and $7.00 per day. On private property, Unified Development Code Section 2.6.3.P prohibits storing inoperable vehicles in a residential zone. These tools operate alongside Tennessee's T.C.A. Title 55, Chapter 16, which lets police take abandoned, immobile, or unattended vehicles into custody and dispose of unclaimed ones. Report to the Mayor's Action Center.
Violations & Fines
A wrecked or abandoned vehicle in the public way may be towed under Section 24-199, the owner charged $60 plus $7 daily. An inoperable vehicle in a residential zone violates UDC 2.6.3.P. Unclaimed vehicles may be sold under state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who removes an abandoned car from a county street?
Can I keep a broken-down car in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.