Yellowstone County, MT Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Program
- Montana Junk Vehicle (MCA 75-10-501+)
- Shielding rule
- All junk vehicles hidden from view
- Not acceptable
- Tarps or plastic covers
- License trigger
- 4+ vehicles at one location
- Haul-away
- County removes junk vehicles free
Summary
Yellowstone County runs the state Junk Vehicle Program and enforces its Community Decay Ordinance. Every junk vehicle, regardless of number, must be shielded from public view. Vehicles left too long on public property are treated as abandoned under MCA 61-8-356.
All junk vehicles, regardless of number must be shielded from public view... Placing tarps or plastics over the vehicles is not acceptable shielding.
Full Breakdown
Under the Montana Motor Vehicle Recycle and Disposal Act (MCA 75-10-501+), a "junk vehicle" is one that is "discarded, ruined, wrecked, or dismantled," is not validly licensed, and "remains inoperative." The county requires that "all junk vehicles, regardless of number must be shielded from public view": defined as any point 6 feet above the center of a public road. Acceptable shielding is a garage or a solid fence, hill, or building; tarps or plastic are not. The county's free Junk Vehicle Division hauls away qualifying vehicles for recycling. Four or more at one location triggers a Motor Vehicle Wrecking Facility license. On public property, MCA 61-8-356 governs abandonment (48 hours / 5 days).
Violations & Fines
Community Decay / zoning complaint enforcement, generally a minimum 30-day cure; abandoned vehicles on public property are removed with the last-registered owner liable for towing and storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many junk vehicles can I keep?
Is a tarp acceptable shielding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yellowstone County
Compare Yellowstone County to another location·View the Montana parking rules overview
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