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Wisconsin Statewide Rule

Wisconsin Abandoned Vehicle Removal Statute

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Wisconsin (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
Wis. Stat. 342.40
Threshold
48 hours unattended
Junk value cutoff
Under $500
Owner liable for
Tow and storage
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Wisconsin State Legislature

Summary

Wisconsin law defines abandoned vehicles and authorizes removal after 48 hours on highways or public property. State statute provides uniform procedures for impoundment, notice to owners, and disposal applicable in every municipality.

342.40 Vehicle abandonment prohibited; removal; disposal. 342.40(1c)(1c) In this section, "owner" includes the lessee of a vehicle if the vehicle is registered, or required to be registered, by the lessee under ch. 341. 342.40(1m)(1m) No person shall leave unattended any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer or mobile home on any public highway or private or public property, for such time and under such circumstances as to cause the vehicle to reasonably appear to have been abandoned. Except as otherwise provided in this section, whenever any vehicle has been left unattended without the permission of the property owner for more than 48 hours in cities of the 1st class and, in other cities, villages and towns, a period set by the governing body thereof, the vehicle is deemed abandoned and constitutes a public nuisance.

Source: Wisconsin State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Wis. Stat. section 342.40, any vehicle left unattended for more than 48 hours on a highway, public property, or private property without consent is presumed abandoned. Local law enforcement or designated agents may remove the vehicle to a storage facility. Owners are notified by mail using DOT records, and unclaimed vehicles may be sold or destroyed after the statutory holding period. Junk vehicles valued under $500 may be disposed of immediately. Municipalities adopt local ordinances within this framework but cannot shorten owner notice or alter disposal rules set by state statute.

Violations & Penalties

Owners forfeit the vehicle and remain liable for towing, storage, and disposal costs. Failure to remove may result in additional citations under local ordinances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before a vehicle is abandoned in Wisconsin?
A vehicle is presumed abandoned after 48 hours on a highway or public property, or on private property without the owner's consent.
Who pays towing and storage fees?
The registered owner is responsible for all reasonable towing, storage, and disposal costs, even if the vehicle is later sold or destroyed.
Can a junk vehicle be disposed of immediately?
Yes. If a vehicle has no engine or is otherwise inoperable and worth less than $500, it can be disposed of without the standard notice waiting period.

Sources

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