Stafford Township, NJ Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 199, adopted 3-19-1985 by Ord. No. 85-37, treats abandonment in three steps. Section 199-2A makes it unlawful for any person to abandon a motor vehicle on or along any public street or road or any public lands or place within the Township of Stafford. Section 199-2B covers private property: no person can park or leave a vehicle unattended without the consent of the owner or other person in control of the property for longer than the consent allowed, except in an emergency or disablement, in which case the owner or operator must arrange for expeditious removal.

Section 199-3 supplies the presumption. A vehicle that has remained on or along any highway or other public property, or on private property without the consent of the owner or person in charge, for more than 48 hours, or for any period without current license plates, is presumed to be an abandoned motor vehicle. Motor vehicle is defined in § 199-1 to include all vehicles propelled otherwise than by muscular power, including an omnibus, road tractor, trailer, truck, truck tractor or automobile.

The process begins with a complaint from any resident or property owner, or on the official's own motion. Under § 199-6 the Zoning Officer, police officer or other authorized Township official investigates and, if a violation appears, gives the owner, possessor or occupant written notice requiring abatement within 10 days from the date of service. Service is personal, by leaving the notice with a household member over the age of 14, by registered or certified mail for an owner outside the Township, or by publication in the official newspaper. If the violation is not abated within 10 days, § 199-7 allows a summons.

After the Municipal Court of the Township adjudges a violation, § 199-8 lets the Township, at the court's direction, enter the land and remove the vehicle or parts. The Township takes possession and disposes of the vehicle under N.J.S.A. 39:10A-1 et seq. Separately, § 192-4 treats abandoned vehicles as police impounds towed to a designated impound property. Inoperable vehicles stored in residential zones are a different rule in § 199-4.