South Bend tags and tows abandoned vehicles. On private property, an inoperable vehicle three-plus model years old gets a 20-day yellow tag; on public streets, a red tag allows towing after three days.
South Bend enforces abandoned-vehicle rules under Municipal Code Sec. 14-42 and zoning Sec. 21-07.03, with inoperable-vehicle standards in Chapter 20. A vehicle on private property is deemed abandoned if it is at least three model years old, mechanically inoperable, and visible from public property for 20 or more consecutive days; enforcement issues a yellow tag giving the owner 20 days to prove it operable or remove it, then a red tag and towing three days later. A vehicle parked or left on a public street can be red-tagged and towed after three days (72 hours). Vehicles missing plates or major parts also qualify.
After the tag periods run, the vehicle is towed and impounded at the owner's expense, commonly $150-$500 plus daily storage. Repeat violations bring additional fines.
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