How to Report Abandoned Vehicles in Knoxville

Transportation Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee residents and property owners who find abandoned vehicles can report them to city enforcement so that vehicles are inspected, tagged, towed, or removed according to local rules. This guide explains who enforces abandoned-vehicle rules in Knoxville, the typical steps to report a vehicle left on public or private property, and what to expect during inspection, removal, and any enforcement action.

How to report an abandoned vehicle

When you locate a vehicle that appears abandoned, note the exact location, license plate (if present), vehicle make/model/color, VIN if visible, and any signs of damage or long-term disuse. Report the vehicle online or by phone using the City of Knoxville Code Enforcement contact below. Include photos and the time/date you first observed the vehicle to help officers determine how long it has been left.

  • Locate the vehicle address or nearest intersection and take a photo of the vehicle.
  • Call the non-emergency police line or municipal code enforcement to report immediate hazards.
  • Use the city online report form when available and attach photos and details.
Photographic evidence with timestamps speeds up verification and removal.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of abandoned vehicle rules in Knoxville is handled by the City of Knoxville Code Enforcement and may involve the Knoxville Police Department for on-street vehicles. The city code or enforcement page describes removal procedures, notice periods, and administrative actions; fine amounts and specific dollar penalties are not specified on the cited page.City of Knoxville Code Enforcement[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: the cited page does not list first/repeat offence ranges or per-day accruals.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: towing and vehicle impoundment, administrative removal orders, and abatement actions are described.
  • Enforcer: City of Knoxville Code Enforcement and Knoxville Police Department for public-right-of-way cases.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: report via the Code Enforcement contact page or police non-emergency line; submit photos and location.
  • Appeals and review: the cited page does not specify formal appeal time limits or procedure.
If a vehicle poses an immediate danger or blocks traffic, call police before filing an online report.

Applications & Forms

No dedicated public application number for abandoned-vehicle removal is published on the cited Code Enforcement page; reporting is typically done via the city report form or by phone. For official forms or to confirm a fee, contact the Code Enforcement office directly on the listed page.[1]

Common violations

  • Vehicle left unattended on public right-of-way for extended periods.
  • Derelict or inoperable vehicles stored in view on private property without proper screening or permits.
  • Abandoned trailers or campers left on streets or public parking lots.

How-To

  1. Document the vehicle: take photos showing plate, VIN (if visible), surroundings, and any damage.
  2. Check whether the vehicle is on private property; if so, notify the property owner or manager first when safe.
  3. Submit a report online or by phone to Code Enforcement with location, photos, and your contact info.
  4. Allow the city the notice period described by enforcement staff; follow up if the vehicle remains after the stated timeline.
  5. If the vehicle is blocking traffic or presents a hazard, call the police non-emergency number or 911 for immediate threats.

FAQ

Who do I contact to report an abandoned vehicle?
Contact City of Knoxville Code Enforcement via the city report form or call the non-emergency police number for vehicles on public streets.
Do I need to be the property owner to report an abandoned vehicle?
No, any resident can report an abandoned vehicle; provide location and evidence to help enforcement verify the situation.
How long will the city take to remove an abandoned vehicle?
Removal timelines vary by case and are based on notice requirements, hazard level, and towing availability; specific timeframes are not specified on the cited page.

Key Takeaways

  • Record photos and exact location before reporting.
  • Use the City of Knoxville Code Enforcement contact for non-emergency reports.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Knoxville Code Enforcement - reporting and contacts

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