Washington, DC Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

DC defines a vehicle as abandoned under DC Code 50-2401 if left on public space for more than 72 continuous hours, or left on private property without the owner's consent. DPW's Parking Enforcement Management Administration (PEMA) and MPD enforce the rule. A vehicle identified as abandoned is first tagged; after 72 hours the vehicle may be towed to the Blue Plains impoundment lot or to a contracted lot. Vehicles with two or more unpaid tickets totaling at least $100 are eligible for immediate booting under DC Code 50-2303.03. Vehicles on private property must be registered, operable, and not stored in the front yard — DCMR 14-805 (Property Maintenance Code) requires inoperable or unregistered vehicles on residential property to be screened from public view in an enclosed garage or behind an opaque fence. Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds cannot be stored on residential property at all. After 30 days at Blue Plains without owner response, DC auctions or scraps the vehicle per DC Code 50-2421.06. Owners pay tow fees ($100+), storage ($25/day), plus outstanding tickets before reclaiming.