Montgomery County, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- TX Transp. Code Ch. 683
- County Authority
- H&S §343.011 nuisance
- Conroe Code
- Ch. 78 Art. III
- Cure Notice
- 10 days typical
- Tow Fees
- $200-$600 owner pays
Summary
Montgomery County removes abandoned vehicles from public roads under TX Transportation Code Ch. 683 after 48 hours. Conroe Code Ch. 78 Art. III and The Woodlands Township covenants require inoperable vehicles to be screened on private property.
In this subchapter, 'junked vehicle' means a vehicle that: (1) is self-propelled; and (2) is: (A) wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded; or (B) inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than: (i) 72 consecutive hours, if the vehicle is on public property; or (ii) 30 consecutive days, if the vehicle is on private property. ... A junked vehicle, including a part of a junked vehicle, that is visible at any time of the year from a public place or public right-of-way ... is a public nuisance.
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Montgomery County (Conroe, The Woodlands, Willis outskirts), abandoned vehicles on public roads are handled under TX Transportation Code Chapter 683 (Abandoned Motor Vehicles). The Sheriff's Office or Precinct Constables may tag and remove vehicles left on the right-of-way for 48+ hours. On private property, Texas counties cannot zone (Local Govt Code Ch. 231 limitation), but §232 subdivision rules and county nuisance authority under Health & Safety Code §343.011 let the county abate junked vehicles visible from public roads. The City of Conroe Code of Ordinances Ch. 78 Art. III defines junked vehicles as inoperable, wrecked, or unregistered 30+ days and requires them stored in a garage or behind a 6-foot opaque fence. The Woodlands relies on DSPs (Development Standards) enforced through residential covenants. Lake Conroe subdivisions often have POA restrictions stricter than county rules.
Violations & Fines
Health & Safety Code §683.071 class C misdemeanor up to $200 for public road abandonment; Conroe junk vehicle fine $100-$500/day after 10-day cure notice; tow and storage fees $200-$600 at owner expense; POA fines in Woodlands/Walden vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Montgomery County tow a car from my driveway?
How long before a car on a county road is abandoned?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Texas parking rules overview
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