Monmouth County, NJ Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

New Jersey abandoned vehicle law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.5) defines abandoned as left on public property for more than 48 hours without authorization or on private property without owner consent. N.J.S.A. 39:10A-1 et seq. governs the impoundment and disposition process. Monmouth County municipalities add local rules: Middletown Code §450-48 requires vehicles on streets to be moved every 72 hours; Long Branch Code §345-70 uses 48 hours; Asbury Park Code §520-90 uses 48 hours with stricter enforcement in beach zones; Freehold Township Code §465-23 allows 72 hours; Howell Township Code §148-46 uses 72 hours. Vehicles without current registration, expired inspection stickers (N.J. now eliminated passenger inspection), flat tires, significant damage, or not moved in extended periods may be classified as abandoned. Private property rules: Middletown Code §525-30 requires inoperable vehicles to be in an enclosed garage or behind a 6-foot opaque fence; Long Branch Code §345-71 prohibits visible junk vehicles on residential property; Asbury Park Code §520-91 allows 1 inoperable vehicle screened from view for up to 30 days; Howell Code §148-47 uses 30-day maximum. Code enforcement issues written notice to the registered owner (obtained through NJ MVC) before towing. Vehicles abandoned on public property may be removed by the municipality after 48 hours notice and sold at public auction per N.J.S.A. 39:10A-3. Certain exemptions apply for vehicles actively being repaired with a valid building permit or commercial repair license. Private property tow requires property owner authorization per N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.6.