How Long Can a Parked Vehicle Be Defined as an Abandoned Vehicle?
2 Answers
Currently, there are no national regulations defining how long a vehicle can be parked in a parking space before it is considered an "abandoned vehicle." However, each city has its own corresponding management regulations. For example, in Zhuzhou City, vehicles cannot be parked continuously for more than thirty days; otherwise, corresponding penalties will be imposed, and the vehicle will be towed away. In other cities, authorities issue advance notices and set specific timeframes for owners of abandoned vehicles to handle their vehicles. If the abandoned vehicles are not dealt with within the specified time, the traffic police department will directly tow them away or treat them as scrapped vehicles. No unit or individual may engage in the following behaviors: 1. Unauthorized modification of a motor vehicle’s registered structure: It is prohibited to assemble a motor vehicle or modify its registered structure, construction, or features without authorization. 2. Alteration of a motor vehicle’s model: It is prohibited to change the motor vehicle’s model, engine number, chassis number, or vehicle identification code. 3. Forgery or use of forged motor vehicle registration certificates: It is prohibited to forge, alter, or use forged or altered motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks. 4. Use of other motor vehicles’ registration certificates: It is prohibited to use registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks belonging to other motor vehicles.
I often move around the city and see many cars parked for long periods without moving. There isn't a strict time standard for what people commonly call 'zombie cars.' Generally, they are vehicles left unattended for over 6 months to a year, but regulations vary by location. From my personal experience, leaving a car parked for too long can cause major issues: tires deflating, body rusting, or even engine failure due to degraded oil. Reasons may include the owner moving away or not wanting to repair a faulty car. The impact is significant—occupying parking spaces leaves others without spots and can attract stray animals to nest, such as rats chewing wires, posing a fire hazard. Community property management sometimes posts notices to warn owners to move their cars periodically to avoid towing. In big cities like Shanghai, vehicles parked for over 3 months may face enforcement, so it's important to be aware of local policies to avoid trouble. In short, zombie cars are not just a nuisance but also a waste of resources—handling them early saves hassle.
