Columbia Impounding of abandoned or illegally parked vehicles—Authorized ordinance (§ 14-548)
Chapter 14: Motor Vehicles and Traffic · Article IX. Abandoned Vehicles
In short: Police or parking enforcement officers can have your vehicle towed if it sits on a street, highway or public property longer than 24 hours, or if it's parked in violation of this chapter. Unclaimed vehicles are disposed of under state law.
Our plain-English summary, not the official text or legal advice. The ordinance below is what counts.
Any police officer or parking enforcement officer may have removed to a suitable place any vehicle parked or left standing on a street, highway or public property for longer than twenty-four (24) hours, or any vehicle parked contrary to the provisions of this chapter. Unclaimed vehicles shall be disposed of in accordance with state law.
Official source: City of Columbia official Code of Ordinances (online): look up Sec. 14-548
Text from Supplement 139 (September 3, 2026).
Last checked November 1, 2026. The city's official copy controls; this page is a reading copy, not legal advice.