Towing
How do I report an abandoned vehicle in Madison?
A common question, answered by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 13, 2026
1 answer
From MadisonWI.com
Use the City of Madison's online Report a Problem forms. For a vehicle on a public street, use the Parking Enforcement form and choose "Abandoned Vehicle - On Street Only." For a vehicle on private property, use the separate Abandoned Vehicle on Private Property form, or call Madison Police Parking Enforcement at 608-266-4275. On private property, a vehicle can be considered abandoned if its owner doesn't live there. The property owner arranges the tow and must meet the parking monitor on site to sign the complaint. If the vehicle belongs to a resident, an inspector gives an official notice, usually two to four weeks to remove or repair it. The City's pages don't say how long a car must sit before it counts as abandoned on the street. This covers the City of Madison only; other towns have their own rules. Source: City of Madison Police Department, Parking Enforcement and Abandoned Vehicle reporting pages (checked November 2026).
Written by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 13, 2026