How Long Can a Car Be Parked on the Street Before Getting Towed?

How Long Can a Car Be Parked on the Street Before Getting Towed?

How Long Can a Car Be Parked on the Street Before Getting Towed? Ever left your car parked on the street and returned hours — or days — later to find it gone? Whether you’re a resident, a visitor, or someone running a roadside or towing business, understanding how long a vehicle can be parked before it gets towed is important to avoid fines, towing fees, and headaches.

The rules vary by city and situation, but this guide covers the common regulations, towing triggers, and how to avoid getting your car towed — especially in urban and residential areas.

⏱️ General Rule: 72 Hours (But It Depends)

In most cities across the U.S., including places like Indianapolis, Los Angeles, and Chicago, the general rule is:

A vehicle cannot be parked on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours without being moved.

This is meant to prevent abandoned vehicles, street clogging, and long-term storage on public roads.

🚨 Situations That May Lead to Faster Towing

Even if you haven't hit the 72-hour limit, your car can still be towed much sooner under certain conditions:

1. Illegally Parked

• In front of driveways

• In no-parking or fire zones

• Blocking fire hydrants or intersections

• In handicap spots without proper permits

⏱️ Tow Timeframe: Immediate

2. Street Sweeping or Construction Zones

Cities often have scheduled street cleaning or temporary no-parking due to road work.

If signs are posted (even temporarily), your car must be moved before the specified time.

⏱️ Tow Timeframe: As early as 30 minutes after restrictions begin

3. Expired Registration

In many jurisdictions, vehicles with expired plates or no visible registration tags are considered inoperable and subject to towing.

⏱️ Tow Timeframe: Usually after 24–72 hours

4. Reported Abandoned Vehicle

If a neighbor or passerby reports your car as abandoned (especially if it’s dusty, damaged, or hasn’t moved), city code enforcement can tag it for removal.

Typically, you’ll get a warning notice, and if the car is not moved...

⏱️ Tow Timeframe: 48–72 hours after notice

🅿️ Local Example: Indianapolis, IN

In Indianapolis, city ordinance allows tows under the following conditions:

• Vehicles left on public property more than 72 hours without movement

• Inoperable or unregistered vehicles on public streets

• Immediate tow for blocking roads, fire hydrants, or parked during active street maintenance

Hot tip: IMPD and code enforcement patrol high-traffic areas like Broad Ripple, Downtown, and residential zones during complaint sweeps.

🚗 What Counts as “Moving” a Vehicle?

To reset the clock on a 72-hour rule, the car must be moved a meaningful distance, not just a few feet forward or back. Some cities require at least 1 block or relocation to a different zone.

If you're trying to avoid a warning sticker or being flagged as abandoned, make sure to actually drive the vehicle around the block or park in a new spot.

📄 What Happens When Your Vehicle Gets Tagged?

If a city official believes your car has overstayed its welcome:

1. They tag it with a warning notice

2. You’ll typically have 48–72 hours to move it

3. If not moved, it’s towed to an impound lot

4. You’ll owe towing + storage fees (which can pile up quickly)

💰 Towing Fees You Might Face

Fee Type	Estimated Cost
Tow charge	$100–$250+
Daily storage	$25–$60 per day
Administrative fee	$20–$50
Late retrieval fee	$50+ (in some cities)

In some cities, failing to retrieve your car within 15–30 days can result in auction or scrapping.

✅ How to Avoid Getting Towed

Here are some simple ways to prevent your car from being towed while parked:

• ✔️ Move your car at least once every 2–3 days

• ✔️ Keep your tags and registration up to date

• ✔️ Avoid parking near signs indicating street cleaning or construction

• ✔️ Don’t park in the same spot on long trips — ask someone to move it

• ✔️ Watch for seasonal or emergency restrictions (snow routes, etc.)

📞 What to Do If Your Car Gets Towed

If you suspect your vehicle has been towed:

1. Call your local police department’s non-emergency line

2. Check the city or tow company’s online locator tool

3. Bring your ID and proof of ownership

4. Be prepared to pay with cash or card (some tow yards are cash-only)

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Final Thoughts: Know the Rules, Keep Your Ride Safe

Knowing how long a car can be parked on the street before getting towed can save you from major inconvenience and fees. If you're ever unsure, it’s safer to move the vehicle, even just a few blocks, and avoid risky zones.