Tempe, AZ Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- ARS §28-871+: 72 hours on highway/public property
- Private Property
- Code Compliance may order removal
- Enforcement
- Code Compliance: (480) 350-4311
- Topic
- Abandoned Vehicles
Summary
Inoperable and abandoned vehicles are code enforcement violations in Tempe. ARS §28-871+ governs on public property.
On a highway outside of a business or residence district, a person shall not stop, park or leave standing a vehicle, whether attended or unattended, on the paved or main traveled part of the highway if it is practicable to stop, park or leave the vehicle off that part of the highway. If a person stops, parks or leaves standing a vehicle, the person shall leave an unobstructed width of the highway opposite the standing vehicle for the free passage of other vehicles and a clear view of the standing vehicle shall be available from a distance of two hundred feet in each direction on the highway.
B. This section does not apply to:
1.
Full Breakdown
Arizona state law prohibits parking unattended vehicles on public streets for more than 48 hours, after which they may be classified as abandoned and subject to towing. On private property in Tempe, it is a violation to leave any vehicle or part thereof in any front or side area visible from the street that is not on an approved improved surface. Inoperable, unregistered, or dismantled vehicles visible from public right-of-way are code violations. Auto parts and disabled vehicles must not be visible from beyond property boundaries. Junk vehicles can be reported to Tempe Code Compliance through the Open M.I.N.D. program. Towed vehicles are held at designated lots with storage fees, and owners have limited time to claim before disposal.
Violations & Fines
Street: towing after 48 hours. Private property: code compliance citation and potential abatement. Storage fees at impound lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Tempe?
Can I keep a non-running car on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tempe
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