Sioux Falls Abandoned Vehicle Removal and Appeals

Transportation South Dakota 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of South Dakota

In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, abandoned vehicle removal and appeals are handled under city authority and enforced by municipal departments. This guide explains how removal is triggered, who enforces the rules, typical enforcement steps, and how to appeal or reclaim a vehicle. It also outlines practical actions residents and vehicle owners should take, including where to report an abandoned vehicle, documentation to keep, and deadlines to watch for when contesting removal or fees.

Legal Authority & Who Enforces

The City of Sioux Falls has ordinance authority that permits removal, towing, and impound of abandoned vehicles and authorizes fees and enforcement procedures. For the controlling municipal code, see the Sioux Falls Code of Ordinances.[1]

Report suspected abandoned vehicles to the Sioux Falls Police non-emergency line promptly.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement actions typically include notice, towing, impound, administrative fees, and potential court action. Specific fine amounts, fee schedules, and statutory section numbers are not specified on the cited municipal code page and may be set by separate fee schedules or administrative rules; see the municipal code link for authority.[1]

  • Towing and impound: vehicles may be removed, towed, and impounded per city authority.
  • Monetary penalties: specific fines or daily penalties are not specified on the cited page.
  • Court or administrative hearing: owners may face municipal hearings or civil processes to recover property or contest charges.
  • Enforcers: actions commonly involve the Sioux Falls Police Department and city code or parking enforcement staff.
  • Inspection and notice: vehicles are usually inspected, photographed, and owner notification attempted before removal where practicable.
Towing and storage fees are typically charged to the registered owner before vehicle release.

Applications & Forms

How to reclaim or appeal is often set by municipal court or an administrative process; a specific owner-claim or appeal form is not published on the cited municipal code page. If you need to reclaim a vehicle or appeal a decision, contact the police impound office or municipal court for forms and procedures.

If your vehicle was towed, contact the impound lot as soon as possible to learn release requirements.

Common Violations

  • Abandoned on public right-of-way or blocking traffic.
  • Nonoperable vehicles left visible and unregistered.
  • Vehicles that pose a health or safety hazard.

Action Steps: How to Report, Appeal, and Recover

  • Report: Call Sioux Falls Police non-emergency or use the city reporting portal (see Resources).
  • Document: Take dated photos and note location, license plate, and condition.
  • Pay and reclaim: If towed, contact the impound lot to learn fees and required ID/ownership documents.
  • Appeal: File an appeal or request a hearing with municipal court or the designated city office within the time limit provided in your notice; if no time is stated on the notice, contact municipal court immediately.

FAQ

Who decides a vehicle is abandoned?
The city or police officer conducting the inspection determines abandonment under the Sioux Falls Code and local procedures.
How do I find out if my car was towed?
Contact the Sioux Falls Police non-emergency number or the impound lot listed on any notice left at the location.
Can I appeal a tow or fine?
Yes; appeals or hearings are handled through the city’s administrative or municipal court process—follow the instructions on the notice or contact municipal court.

How-To

  1. Call the Sioux Falls Police non-emergency number or the city reporting portal to report the abandoned vehicle.
  2. Document the vehicle with photos, location details, and any visible plate or VIN information.
  3. If your vehicle was towed, contact the impound lot to learn fees and required documents to reclaim it.
  4. If you dispute the action, file an appeal or request a hearing with municipal court or the designated city office within the deadline on the notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Act quickly: prompt reporting and documentation help contest removals.
  • Keep records: photos, registration, and receipts support appeals.
  • Contact the right office: police, impound lot, or municipal court depending on your need.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Sioux Falls Code of Ordinances - municipal code

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