Smyrna, GA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Private property
- No rusted, wrecked, junked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles in outside storage
- Public property
- Unattended for at least five days can be removed
- Immediate tow
- Threat to public health or safety, or to mitigate congestion
- Owner lookup
- Notice to state agencies within 72 hours if owner unknown
- Unclaimed vehicle
- Sold if not claimed within 60 days of impound
- Notice period
- At least seven days under Section 80-7
Summary
In the City of Smyrna, Georgia, it is unlawful to keep a rusted, wrecked, junked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle in outside storage on a dwelling, business or vacant lot. On public property, a peace officer can remove a vehicle left unattended for at least five days.
It shall be unlawful for any person to permit the accumulation of any furniture, appliance, machinery, equipment or personal property, including, but not limited to, motor vehicles, boats, trailers or watercraft, which are either in a wholly or partially rusted, wrecked, junked, dismantled, inoperative condition to remain on the premises, i.e., including, but not limited to, any dwelling unit, place of business or vacant lot in outside storage. ... (a)Any peace officer who finds a motor vehicle which has been left unattended on a public street, road, or highway or other public property for a period of at least five days shall be authorized to cause such motor vehicle to be removed to a garage or other place of safety, if such peace officer reasonably believes that the person who left such motor vehicle unattended does not intend to return and remove such motor vehicle.
Full Breakdown
Two sets of provisions cover the two settings. On private property, Section 80-5 of the Smyrna Code makes it unlawful to permit the accumulation of furniture, appliances, machinery, equipment or personal property, including motor vehicles, boats, trailers or watercraft, that are wholly or partially rusted, wrecked, junked, dismantled or inoperative and remain on the premises in outside storage. The section names dwelling units, places of business and vacant lots. A cross reference points to vehicle impoundment in Section 98-31 and following. Section 80-2 adds that no parking area can be used for the repair, dismantling, servicing or longterm storage of vehicles or equipment unless permitted with the approved use.
The Chapter 46 version, Section 46-114, carries the same first sentence and attaches a period in excess of 30 days to its second sentence, which covers exterior accumulation of indoor furniture, appliances and similar property. Section 46-116 exempts anyone holding a valid occupation tax certificate for dealing in those items. Section 80-7 requires notice at least seven days before the compliance deadline, personally delivered or sent by regular and certified mail and posted on the property.
On public property, Section 98-33(a) authorizes any peace officer who finds a motor vehicle left unattended on a public street, road, highway or other public property for at least five days to have it removed to a garage or other place of safety, if the officer reasonably believes the person who left it does not intend to return. Section 98-33(b) allows immediate removal when the vehicle poses a threat to public health or safety or to mitigate congestion. Under Section 98-31 the chief of police can create a vehicle pound.
After a tow, Section 98-35 requires the peace officer or agency, within 72 hours and if the owner is unknown, to notify the state department of revenue and the state crime information center. Fees for removal, impounding and storage are set by the mayor and council under Section 98-36. An impounded car not claimed within 60 days is sold under Section 98-39, with proceeds first paying accrued storage charges.
Violations & Fines
Section 80-5 prints no specific penalty, so the Section 1-8 general penalty applies: a fine not exceeding $1,000.00, jail not exceeding six months, probation not exceeding six months, community service not exceeding 30 days, or a combination, with each day a separate offense. A towed vehicle is released only on proof of identity and ownership and payment of removal and storage fees under Section 98-37.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a broken-down car in my driveway or yard in Smyrna?
How long can a car sit on a Smyrna public street before it is towed?
What does it cost to get a towed vehicle back?
What happens if nobody claims an impounded vehicle?
Sources & Official References
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