The Muncie Police Department Parking Enforcement Division is responsible for the enforcement of Muncie City Ordinances relating to parking violations. Theses ordinances are found mostly in chapter 77 of the Muncie City Ordinances, as well as chapter(s) 74.11(B), 95.18, 96.031 and 155.30(G).

This division is also tasked with issues involving abandoned vehicles located on city streets as well as vehicles located upon private property. These violations are enforced by Indiana Code 9-22-1-11 and Indiana Code 9-13-2-1.

MPD Parking Enforcement can be reached at: 765-747-4883   M-F 8am – 4pm (excluding holidays) or email at: mpd_parking@muncie.in.gov 

If you are wanting to apply for a neighborhood parking permit application, for the Ball State University off campus area, click on the link to complete and submit an online application.

Abandoned vehicles are now handled under Indiana Code and not city ordinance. IC 9-13-2-1 defines what an abandoned vehicle is and IC 9-22-1-11 defines the removal of such.

Indiana Code § 9-13-2-1

Current as of January 02, 2024

Sec. 1. “Abandoned vehicle” means the following:

(1) A vehicle located on public property illegally.

(2) A vehicle left on public property without being moved for twenty-four (24) hours.

(3) A vehicle located on public property in such a manner as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a public right-of-way.

(4) A vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of that property for more than forty-eight (48) hours.

(5) A vehicle from which the engine, transmission, or differential has been removed or that is otherwise partially dismantled or inoperable and left on public property.

 (7) A vehicle that is at least three (3) model years old, is mechanically inoperable, and is left on private property continuously in a location visible from public property for more than twenty (20) days. For purposes of this subdivision, a vehicle covered by a tarpaulin or other plastic, vinyl, rubber, cloth, or textile covering is considered to be visible.

 

Indiana Code § 9-22-1-11

Current as of January 02, 2024

Sec. 11. An officer who finds or is notified of a vehicle or parts believed to be abandoned shall attach in a prominent place a notice tag containing the following information:

(1) The date, time, officer's name, public agency, and address and telephone number to contact for information.

(2) That the vehicle or parts are considered abandoned.

(3) That the vehicle or parts will be removed after:

(A) twenty-four (24) hours, if the vehicle is located on or within the right-of-way of an interstate highway or any highway that is designated as part of the state highway system under IC 8-23-4; or

(B) seventy-two (72) hours, for any other vehicle.

(4) That the person who owns the vehicle will be held responsible for all costs incidental to the removal, storage, and disposal of the vehicle.

(5) That the person who owns the vehicle may avoid costs by removal of the vehicle or parts within:

(A) twenty-four (24) hours, if the vehicle is located on or within the right-of-way of an interstate highway or any highway that is designated as part of the state highway system under IC 8-23-4; or

(B) seventy-two (72) hours, for any other vehicle.

 

Under 9-13-2-1(1) this type of vehicle would more than likely have an expired plate or no plate affixed to the vehicle. The vehicle would be tagged for 72 hours and then towed at owner’s expense.

Under 9-13-2-1(2) if a vehicle is found on public property and is determined to be abandoned, the vehicle will be tagged for 72 hours. If the vehicle has not been moved after 72 hours, it will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Under 9-13-2-1(4) If a vehicle has remained on private property without the consent of the owner of person in control of the property for more than 48 hours, the property owner may call a towing service to have the vehicle removed (private tow). This will, more than likely, be at the expense of the private property owner. If the owner doesn’t want to pay for the private tow, the vehicle will be tagged to give notice to the owner. A follow up will take place after 48 hours, and if the vehicle is still present, it will be tagged a final time, for 72 hours. A follow up after will occur after 72 hours, and it the vehicle has not been removed, it will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Under 9-13-2-1(5) this type of vehicle would be tagged for 72 hours, and towed at the owner’s expense.

Under 9-13-2-1(7) if a vehicle is three (3) model years old, mechanically inoperable (In Indiana, a vehicle is considered "mechanically inoperable" if it is in such a deteriorated condition or has had necessary parts removed that it cannot be safely operated as a motor vehicle. This condition applies to vehicles left on public or private property, with specific rules regarding duration and visibility) and left on private property continuously and is visible from public property, for more than 20 days, the vehicle(s) will be tagged to give the owner notice. A follow up after 20 days will take place, and if the vehicle(s) have not been removed, the vehicle(s) will be tagged for 72 hours. A final follow up will take place after 72 hours and, if the vehicle(s) have not been removed, they will be towed at the owner’s expense.

In the case a vehicle is creating a hazardous condition to pedestrians or other vehicular traffic, the vehicle may be removed immediately.

Other offices enforcing Muncie City Code are:

The Building Commissioners office enforces ordinances pertaining to high grass and weeds, as well as trash and debris on private property.

Muncie Sanitation has code enforcement as well, and they enforce ordinances pertaining to trash toters (waste containers), etc.