Overview
A vehicle is an illegal abandoned vehicle if it is:
- Left on private property without the property owner's consent for more than 48 hours
- Inoperable or lacking vital component parts (e.g., motor, drive train, or wheels) and has been left outside for more than 48 hours. (If the vehicle is inside a garage or enclosed shed, it is legal.)
- On private property for repairs for more than 30 days
- Without current license plates for 90 days
- Left on public property illegally for more than 48 hours (e.g., overtime parking, snowbird - cars not moved off designated streets by the appropriate time after the declaration of a snow emergency, non-restricted streets)
It is legal to have cars in a driveway, unless those cars are abandoned vehicles.
Vehicles towed to City impound lot
If the problem is not corrected the vehicle may be towed to the City impound lot. The City will then typically send certified letters to the car's registered owner and any lien holders three to five business days after the vehicle is impounded. By state law they have five business days from the day of intake to send the letters. (See Section 168B.08, MN Statutes here.) Vehicles not picked up by the registered owner or lienholder are considered abandoned at the lot and may be sold. Reclaiming the car/vehicle requires paying the towing and storage charges. The City can sell impounded abandoned vehicles 15 days after the certified letter(s) are sent.