Vehicles left on public streets for over 48 hours without moving may be tagged and towed. Inoperable vehicles on private property visible from the street are also a violation.
Under Takoma Park city code and Maryland Transportation Article 25-201 through 25-210, a vehicle is considered abandoned if left on a public street for more than 48 hours without being moved, or if it displays expired registration, flat tires, broken windows, or other signs of being inoperable or derelict. Takoma Park Police Department handles abandoned vehicle complaints. When a vehicle is identified as potentially abandoned, officers place a notice on the vehicle giving the owner a specified period (typically 48 hours) to move it. If the vehicle is not moved, it may be towed and impounded at the owner's expense. Owners have 30 days to claim a towed vehicle before it is sold at auction. On private property, inoperable or unregistered vehicles visible from the street may be cited as a property maintenance violation under city code. Residents can report abandoned vehicles to the Takoma Park Police non-emergency line. The city also conducts periodic sweeps of known problem areas near the Metro station and apartment complexes.
Abandoned vehicle on public street: towing at owner expense. Impound and storage fees apply. Unclaimed vehicles sold at auction after 30 days. Private property inoperable vehicles: code violation with compliance deadline.
Takoma Park, MD
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