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Springfield, MA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

First-offense fine
$250
Repeat-offense fine
$500
Tow trigger
72+ hours apparently abandoned
Applies to
registered or unregistered vehicles

Summary

Springfield fines anyone who abandons a registered or unregistered vehicle on a public or private way, or on someone else's property without permission, $250 for a first offense and $500 for every one after that.

Whoever abandons a motor vehicle, registered or unregistered, upon any public or private way or upon any property other than his own without the permission of the owner or lessee of said property shall be fined $250 for the first such abandonment and $500 for each such abandonment thereafter, pursuant to MGL c. 90, § 22B.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).

Full Breakdown

Under Chapter 379, City officers, the Director of Public Works, the Police Commissioner's designee, or designated parking control officers, enforce MGL c. 90, §§ 22B and 22C against abandoned motor vehicles inside Springfield. § 379-2 sets the local penalty at $250 for a first abandonment and $500 for each abandonment after that, whether or not the vehicle carries a valid registration. § 379-3 backs that up with removal authority: if officers reasonably believe a vehicle has been apparently abandoned by its owner and has stood for more than 72 hours on a public or private way, or on any property in the City, they can have it towed.

Violations & Fines

A first abandoned-vehicle violation costs $250; each later one costs $500. A vehicle left more than 72 hours may also be towed by the City under § 379-3.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a vehicle sit before Springfield can tow it as abandoned?
More than 72 hours, per § 379-3, if officers reasonably believe it has been abandoned by its owner.
Does the fine differ for a first versus repeat abandonment?
Yes, $250 for the first abandonment and $500 for each one after, under § 379-2.

Sources & Official References

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