Plymouth County, MA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- More than 72 hours
- State Law
- MGL c.90 §22C
- Applies To
- Public or private ways
- Outcome
- Towed, scrapped or sold
Summary
A vehicle apparently abandoned and left more than 72 hours on any way or property in Plymouth County may be taken and disposed of under MGL c.90 §22C. Towns and state police both hold this authority.
If the superintendent of streets or other officer having charge of the public ways in a city or town reasonably deems that any motor vehicle apparently abandoned by its owner and standing for more than seventy-two hours upon a public or private way therein or on any property therein without the permission of the owner or lessee of said property ... he may, without incurring liability on his part or on the part of the city, town or the commonwealth, take possession of such motor vehicle and dispose thereof as refuse.
Full Breakdown
MGL c.90 §22C lets the superintendent of streets or other officer in any Plymouth County town take possession of a motor vehicle that appears abandoned and has stood for more than seventy-two hours on a public or private way, or on property without the owner's permission. State police hold the same power on ways under their jurisdiction. Vehicles worth less than removal and storage costs are disposed of as refuse; more valuable ones go to the police custodian of lost property for sale. This applies whether the vehicle sits on a Brockton street or an unpermitted spot on private land.
Violations & Fines
The vehicle is towed, stored, and either scrapped or sold to cover costs. The owner pays towing and storage fees, and forfeits a vehicle worth less than those costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a car is considered abandoned?
Can a car be towed from private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plymouth County
Compare Plymouth County to another location·View the Massachusetts parking rules overview
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