Southaven, MS Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Mississippi's abandoned vehicle statute (MS Code §63-23-1 through §63-23-17) defines abandonment as a vehicle left on public property more than 48 hours without authorization, or any inoperable vehicle left on private property without consent of the owner. DeSoto County code and municipal ordinances typically extend the 48-hour threshold to 72 hours on residential streets. An inoperable vehicle is one without current registration, without current tags, or incapable of self-propulsion. On private property (including front and side yards), inoperable vehicles must be enclosed in a garage or screened behind a 6-foot opaque fence — visible junked vehicles violate nuisance and zoning ordinances. The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office (2535 Highway 51 S, Hernando) handles abandoned vehicles in unincorporated areas; Southaven PD, Olive Branch PD, Horn Lake PD, and Hernando PD handle in-city calls. Process: officer tags the vehicle, provides 10-day written notice to registered owner via DMV records, then tows to a contracted lot. After 30 days unclaimed, title transfers to the tow operator under §63-23-7 (magistrate sale). Owner may reclaim within the notice period by paying towing ($150-$350) and daily storage ($15-$30/day).