Wayne, NJ Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 198 of the Wayne Township Code starts from a finding in § 198-1 that vehicles abandoned or stored out-of-doors, unlicensed and not in use for transportation, attract children who can be injured playing in them, deteriorate, look unsightly and depreciate property values in the neighborhood and in the Township as a whole. Section 198-3 turns that finding into a prohibition: no person can abandon, or suffer or permit the abandoning of, a vehicle on any public or private land in Wayne Township, on a public street or between the side lines of a public right-of-way. Placing, keeping or storing a vehicle in a carport, enclosed garage, barn or other building is expressly protected.

The chapter defines "abandoned" as a motor vehicle, omnibus, road tractor, trailer, truck or truck-trailer found without the current year's registration or identification markers required by law, or so disabled that it obstructs traffic while the driver or owner neglects or refuses to move it. A "junk automobile" is one no longer in actual use as a motor vehicle, wholly unfit without rebuilding or reconditioning for highway transportation, or discarded or otherwise abandoned. "Person" covers an individual, firm, partnership or corporation with any legal right in the vehicle.

Section 198-4 reaches landowners directly. No one can keep a junk automobile or body on public or private property in Wayne Township, and an owner of real property cannot allow one to remain on his or her land. Failure to remove it after 10 days' notice from the Property Maintenance Official is itself a violation of the chapter.

Section 198-3.B exempts lawfully operated junk yards, vehicles stored in garages or other buildings, vehicles held for sale, resale, repair or maintenance at a regular place of business where that commercial activity is permitted, and vehicles used for agricultural, business or property maintenance purposes that are not required to be registered because they remain and are used solely on private property.

Under § 198-3.1 the Police Department impounds any abandoned or stolen vehicle, including motorcycles, motorized bikes and mopeds. Anyone recovering an impounded vehicle pays the fees set in Chapter 191, Towing and Storage, of the Township Code.