Shenandoah, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 38, Article IV of the Shenandoah Code of Ordinances defines an "abandoned motor vehicle" in § 38-181 as one more than five years old and inoperable and left unattended on public property more than 48 hours, illegally on public property more than 48 hours, on private property without the owner's consent more than 48 hours, or left on a designated highway right-of-way more than 48 hours (24 hours on a turnpike). A separate "junked vehicle" definition covers any self-propelled vehicle lacking a current license plate or inspection certificate, that is wrecked, dismantled or discarded, or inoperable for more than 72 consecutive hours on public property, or 72 hours on private property where it creates an unsafe condition such as sitting on jacks or missing tires.

Under § 38-201, the police department may take an abandoned vehicle into custody from public or private property and may use its own crews or hire contractors to remove, preserve and store it. Section 38-202 requires the department to notify, by certified mail within ten days, the last known registered owner and any lienholders, describing the vehicle's year, make, model and VIN, stating where it is held, and warning that failure to reclaim it within 20 days of the notice, and pay all towing, preservation and storage charges, waives all right, title and interest and consents to sale at public auction.

If the owner can't be identified or located, one newspaper publication substitutes for certified mail under § 38-202(b). Storage fees accrue under § 38-202(d) both before and after the notice is mailed. If unclaimed, § 38-203 lets the police department use the vehicle for department purposes, or § 38-204 lets it go to public auction, with sale proceeds first covering towing, storage, auction and notice costs and any remainder held for the owner or lienholder for 90 days.