Wisconsin Abandoned Vehicle Removal Statute

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.

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