Kentucky Statewide Rule

Kentucky Abandoned Vehicle Removal on Roads and Streets

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Kentucky (2026)

Key Facts

Presumed abandoned: 3 consecutive days on road
Fine: $25 to $100
Jail: 10 to 30 days
Enforcing authority: Public authority over the road
Disposal: Tow and sale, KRS 376.275

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Kentucky law presumes any vehicle left on a county road or city street for three consecutive days to be abandoned, exposing the owner to a fine of $25 to $100 or ten to thirty days in jail, plus towing and sale.

189.751 Abandonment of vehicle on county road or city street -- Penalty -- Removal -- Disposition. (1) Any person who leaves a vehicle upon a county road or city street under circumstances indicating an abandonment, shall be fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100), or imprisoned for not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days. A vehicle left upon a county road or city street for three (3) consecutive days shall be presumed to be abandoned.

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Full Breakdown

Under KRS 189.751, leaving a vehicle on a county road or city street under circumstances indicating abandonment carries a fine of $25 to $100 or imprisonment of ten to thirty days. A vehicle sitting three consecutive days is presumed abandoned. The public authority with jurisdiction over the road must have a vehicle fit for future use removed by a towing or storage business and disposed of under KRS 376.275; sale money above any liens is paid to the owner, or escheats to the state under KRS Chapter 393 if the owner cannot be located. A vehicle deemed unfit for future use may be disposed of immediately.

Violations & Penalties

Abandoning a vehicle draws a fine of $25 to $100 or ten to thirty days in jail. The public authority tows the vehicle and, if fit, sells it through the KRS 376.275 lien and affidavit process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before a parked vehicle is abandoned in Kentucky?

A vehicle left on a county road or city street for three consecutive days is presumed abandoned under KRS 189.751.

What is the penalty for abandoning a vehicle?

A fine of $25 to $100, or imprisonment of ten to thirty days. The public authority may tow the vehicle and sell it to satisfy liens.

What happens to money from selling an abandoned vehicle?

Proceeds above any liens are paid to the owner. If the owner cannot be located, the excess escheats to the state under KRS Chapter 393.

Sources

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