Somerville, MA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- MGL c.90 s.22D
- Time trigger
- 72 hours unmoved
- Unregistered
- Immediate tow eligible
- Private property
- Trespass tow procedure
- Unclaimed auction
- After 45 days
Summary
Under MGL c.90 s.22D and city rules, Somerville can tow vehicles left unmoved more than 72 hours, or any unregistered or uninspected vehicle.
Section 22C. If the superintendent of streets or other officer having charge of the public ways in a city or town reasonably deems that any motor vehicle apparently abandoned by its owner and standing for more than seventy-two hours upon a public or private way therein or on any property therein without the permission of the owner or lessee of said property, is worth less than the cost of removal and storage and expenses incident to disposition pursuant to sections seven to eleven, inclusive, of chapter one hundred and thirty-five, he may, without incurring liability on his part or on the part of the city, town or the commonwealth, take possession of such motor vehicle and dispose thereof as refuse.
Full Breakdown
Somerville follows MGL c.90 s.22D, which authorizes municipalities to remove vehicles left on public ways that appear abandoned. The City's standard is that a registered and inspected vehicle must be moved within 72 hours, after which it may be tagged and towed at the owner's expense. Any vehicle without valid registration, without a current inspection sticker, with flat tires and obvious disrepair, or accumulating tickets is presumptively abandoned and may be towed sooner. Abandoned vehicles on private property must be reported to Somerville Police, who coordinate with the property owner under trespass tow rules. Vehicles unclaimed at the impound lot for 45 days may be auctioned or scrapped under state junk-vehicle procedures. Residents can report suspected abandoned vehicles via Somerville 311.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report an abandoned car on my street?
Can I tow a car off my private driveway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Somerville
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle abandoned vehicles.