Are Unregistered Cars Allowed in Your Yard in Michigan?

Growing up, I was surrounded by vintage and sports cars due to my great uncle's love for all types of vehicles.

So, there were plenty of times when I would come over and there would be abandoned or unregistered cars on his property.

If you are like me, you have seen plenty of abandoned vehicles, perhaps you’ve got one sitting at your house right now.

With all of these unregistered and junk cars in someone’s yard, is it legal for the vehicle to be there?

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Unregistered/Abandoned Cars & Michigan Law

Typically, these questions and answers are pretty set in stone. However, this answer is a little more tricky.

While technically you could have an unregistered vehicle in your yard in the state of Michigan, you cannot claim it as "abandoned" or "inoperable."

Also, the unregistered vehicle cannot be visible on your property for extended time periods. Why?

It could violate local ordinances regarding how you can and cannot store your vehicle. Most local ordinances require inoperable vehicles to be kept inside a garage or properly covered if it is kept outside.

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Grand Rapids Ordinance On Inoperable Vehicles

As for Grand Rapids' ordinance pertaining to inoperable vehicles, there are certain rules and regulations you must abide by.

Inoperable vehicles cannot be kept or stored on land in the Township of Grand Rapids. You will have to keep it in a fully enclosed garage or building.

The owner can store one inoperable vehicle for up to 48 hours. If you want to extend it for up to one week, you will need to get a permit from the Building Inspector.

Plus, there are ways that residents can report a complaint about unused or inoperable vehicles. You can fill out a form as long as the vehicle has been inoperable for more than 7 days.

For more details, you can read the Michigan Vehicle Code.