West Allis, WI Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Time trigger
- 48 hours without permission
- Nuisance declaration
- Automatic public nuisance
- Highway placard notice
- 72 hours before towing
- Hearing right
- 7 days, Municipal Court
- Penalty
- $25-$500 forfeiture, Wis. Stat. § 342.40(3)
Summary
West Allis declares any vehicle left over 48 hours without permission, or any inoperable, unlicensed or junked vehicle stored outside on private property, a public nuisance subject to condemnation and towing.
"Abandoned vehicle" shall mean and include any vehicle that has been allowed to remain standing in the City on any alley, street, highway, public place or private property without the owner's permission, for more than 48 hours... No person owning or having custody of any abandoned vehicle as defined in Subsection (1)(b) shall allow such vehicle to remain on any public or private property within the City.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: ?).
Full Breakdown
An 'abandoned vehicle' under § 6.015 includes anything left standing on a street, alley or private property without the owner's permission for more than 48 hours, plus any partially dismantled, inoperable, unlicensed, unregistered, wrecked or junked vehicle stored outside a building, or one parked on an unpaved private surface. Such vehicles are declared a public nuisance; officers or building inspectors placard highway violations for 72-hour removal and mail property owners a condemnation notice, giving a right to a Municipal Court hearing within 7 days before the City removes, impounds or destroys the vehicle.
Violations & Fines
Owners who miss the 7-day hearing window and don't correct or remove the vehicle face towing and impoundment costs plus a forfeiture of $25 to $500 under Wis. Stat. § 342.40(3).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an inoperable car sit in my West Allis driveway?
Can West Allis tow my car from my own driveway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Allis
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle abandoned vehicles.