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.
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.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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