Tazewell County, IL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Fine range
- $100 to $500 per 7-day period
- Unregistered threshold
- 30+ days without valid registration
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county property
- Historic vehicle exception
- 25+ years old, properly licensed
- Enforcement
- Zoning inspector notice; Sheriff removal
Summary
Tazewell County declares it a nuisance to store an inoperable motor vehicle on unincorporated property, including one unregistered for 30 or more days, with limited exceptions. Violators face a fine of $100 to $500 per week, and the Sheriff can remove the vehicle after notice.
It is hereby declared a nuisance for any person to cause or permit the existence or storage upon any premises within the county and outside the municipal confines of any city or village or incorporated town in the county: (A) Any inoperable motor vehicle or part thereof; and (B) For the purpose of this section, INOPERABLE MOTOR VEHICLE means any motor vehicle or other vehicle and part thereof from which for a period of at least seven days, the engine, the wheels, or other parts have been removed or on which the engine, wheels, or other parts have been altered, damaged, or otherwise so treated that the vehicle is incapable of being driven under its own motor power.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-7: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. LU-21-12, passed 9-29-2021; and Res. LU-26-09, passed 7-29-2026).
Full Breakdown
02, adopted under state authority at 55 ILCS 5/5-1092, bars anyone from causing or permitting an inoperable motor vehicle or part of one to exist or be stored on premises 'within the county and outside the municipal confines of any city or village or incorporated town in the county,' making clear the rule reaches only the unincorporated area. INOPERABLE MOTOR VEHICLE is defined broadly: a vehicle missing or having damaged engine, wheels or other parts for at least seven days that leave it incapable of running under its own power, or one that has gone at least 30 days without valid registration under 625 ILCS 5/3-400 et seq.
The section carves out six exceptions, including vehicles temporarily down for ordinary service or repair, vehicles kept in an enclosed building, vehicles at licensed wrecking or sales businesses, vehicles not required to be registered, historic vehicles over 25 years old licensed under 625 ILCS 5/3-804, and one unlicensed vehicle serving an active business purpose on a lawfully zoned site. Enforcement runs through a zoning inspector's written notice to the owner or person in control under Sec. 03, and if the nuisance is not abated the county can pursue abatement, with the costs becoming a debt owed to the county and a lien against the property under Sec. 08 and Sec. 09.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 93.99(B)(1) sets a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500 for violations of Sec. 93.01 through 93.07, which includes the Sec. 93.02 inoperable vehicle ban, with each seven days (or part of a week) the violation remains uncorrected treated as a separate offense. Sec. 93.99(B)(2) also lets a court order the vehicle removed, or have the Sheriff or another officer abate the nuisance at the violator's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep one non-running project car in unincorporated Tazewell County?
How long can a vehicle sit unregistered before it counts as inoperable?
What is the fine for keeping an inoperable vehicle after a notice to remove it?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tazewell County
Compare Tazewell County to another location·View the Illinois parking rules overview
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