South Bend, IN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Board of Public Works / Neighborhood Code Enforcement
- Tag-to-tow window
- 72 hours
- Tow fee
- $90.00
- Storage fee
- $15.00 per day
- Private-property threshold
- Unmoved 48+ hours without consent
Summary
South Bend declares abandoned vehicles a public nuisance and lets the Board of Public Works tag, tow and dispose of them through the Neighborhood Code Enforcement Office. Owners get 72 hours to move a tagged vehicle before towing, and face a $90.00 tow fee plus $15.00 per day storage.
(a)No person shall abandon a vehicle on any public or private property without the permission of the person having the right to possession or control of the property upon which the vehicle is left.(b)The owner of an abandoned vehicle is responsible for the abandonment and is liable, to the extent of the market value of the vehicle, for all of the costs incidental to the removal, storage and disposal of same.(c)If, in the opinion of the officer, the market value of an abandoned vehicle is five hundred dollars ($500.00) or less, the officer shall attach thereto in a prominent place a notice tag...(3)The vehicle will be removed after seventy-two (72) hours...(g)Fees: In accordance with this article the owner shall be charged a fee for the towing and storage of his vehicle. The fee for towing vehicles pursuant to this section shall be ninety dollars ($90.00). The fee for storage of vehicles pursuant to this section shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00) per day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 20-27 declares abandoned vehicles a public nuisance and health and safety hazard, and assigns the Board of Public Works, acting through the Neighborhood Code Enforcement Office, as the agency responsible for removal, storage and disposal. Sec. 20-28 defines an abandoned vehicle broadly: one illegally on public property, one left on public property unmoved for three days, one obstructing a public right-of-way, one left on private property without the owner's consent for more than 48 hours, one partially dismantled or inoperable and left on public property, an impounded vehicle unclaimed for 20 days, a vehicle at least three model years old that is mechanically inoperable and visible from public property for more than 20 days, or a vehicle on public property without a state license plate.
Under Sec. 00 or more, after which the vehicle is towed to storage and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is asked to identify the owner, who then has 15 days from mailed notice to reclaim it before the Board sells it at public sale. Sec. 00 administrative fee funneled into the City's Abandoned Vehicle Fund. Sec. 20-30 exempts vehicles on private raceways, active-duty military-owned vehicles in storage, vehicles on licensed sales lots or scrapyards, and registered antique vehicles.
Violations & Fines
Abandoning a vehicle on public or private property without the consent of the person controlling that property violates Sec. 20-29(a). The owner remains liable, up to the vehicle's market value, for all towing, storage and disposal costs, plus the $90.00 tow fee, $15.00-per-day storage fee and $10.00 administrative fee, and an unclaimed vehicle is sold at public sale after 15 days' notice under Sec. 20-29(f).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an abandoned vehicle sit on public property in South Bend before it's towed?
What does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle back from South Bend?
Can South Bend tow a vehicle left on my private property?
Sources & Official References
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