St. Paul, Minnesota, is a city that values neighborhood appearance, public safety, and property maintenance. If you’ve got a junk RV sitting on your property, you may be wondering whether it’s just an eyesore or a potential liability. The short answer? Yes, the City of St. Paul can fine you for having a junk RV on your property if it violates specific municipal codes.
Let’s break down how the city enforces these laws, what counts as a junk RV, how fines are applied, and what your best options are to sell your junk RV in St. Paul if it has reached the end of the road.
How St. Paul Defines a Junk RV
According to the St. Paul City Code, any vehicle—including RVs—left on the street, boulevard, or in public parking for more than 48 continuous hours (unless parked in a designated camping space) is considered abandoned and illegal . Similarly, any inoperable vehicle lacking vital components that remains for 48 hours or more on private property—unless it’s inside a garage—is also deemed abandoned.
What Happens if You Leave a Junk RV Around in St. Paul, MN
Letting a derelict or inoperable RV sit on your property—or worse, on the street—can trigger serious consequences under St. Paul’s abandoned vehicle and nuisance vehicle codes. Here’s how the City handles violations and what you can expect if enforcement comes knocking.
- First offense: You’ll receive a $10 citation—consider it a warning in fine form.
- Second offense within 12 months: The fine increases to $25.
- Third offense: The penalty increases to $100, and if it remains unpaid for more than 72 hours, fines can double or escalate to as much as $500 through a criminal complaint.
Along with these escalating penalties, St. Paul’s nuisance vehicle law gives city officials or police the authority to impound or tow abandoned or derelict RVs at any time—even without warning—especially if they pose a traffic hazard or nuisance.
If your RV is tagged as abandoned or impoundable, the city can have it towed. You’ll be notified via certified mail and have only five business days to claim it by paying towing and storage fees. After another 15 days with no claim, the city may sell or dispose of it.
How to Avoid St. Paul City Fines and Stay Compliant
To avoid fines and legal trouble related to your junk RV:
- Keep registration current – Even if you’re not using it.
- Store it out of sight – Garages, covered buildings, or fenced areas are ideal.
- Maintain basic condition – Replace flat tires, fix broken windows, and keep it clean.
- Remove it if inoperable – If it’s not salvageable, the best option may be to get rid of it.
Trying to hang on to an unusable RV can cost you more in the long run, especially when city fines, towing charges, and property value issues come into play. But here’s the good news—you don’t have to let it become a liability. Instead of risking penalties or paying to have it hauled away, you can sell your junk RV in Minnesota for cash to a trusted buyer like HeyRV.
When It’s Time to Let Go—Sell Your Junk RV to HeyRV
If the city has given you a deadline or you’re tired of dealing with an old, unusable RV, HeyRV is here to help.
HeyRV specializes in buying junk, damaged, totaled, wrecked, crashed, or unwanted RVs—whether it’s a Class A motorhome, travel trailer, camper van, or pop-up trailer. If your RV has water damage, mechanical failure, or you’ve received a fine from the City of St. Paul, HeyRV offers a fast, convenient solution.
- Free towing is available in most areas (exceptions may apply, so always contact us to confirm).
- We pay cash, and not just in Minnesota—we operate in all 50 states, including Wisconsin, Iowa, Texas, Arizona, California, and Florida.
- No need to fix or clean up your RV—we buy them as-is.
Why risk mounting fines or let your property value suffer? HeyRV makes it easy to move on and earn money in the process. If you’re ready to let go of your junk RV, we’re ready to help, no matter where you are located in Minnesota, from St. Paul to Minneapolis, Lakeville, Duluth, Bloomington, and beyond.
Don’t Let a Junk RV Become a Legal or Financial Burden
If you’ve got a junk RV on your property in St. Paul, ignoring it isn’t just a bad idea—it could end up costing you hundreds of dollars in fines, towing fees, and code violations. The city has strict ordinances in place to maintain clean and safe neighborhoods, and inoperable vehicles are considered nuisances that can be fined, impounded, or even disposed of without prior notice.
Rather than gamble with citations or hope the problem goes unnoticed, it’s smarter to take action. If your RV can’t be restored or stored legally, selling it to HeyRV is a fast, easy, and profitable solution!
FAQ: Junk RV Regulations & Removal in St. Paul, MN
If you live in St. Paul and own an old or inoperable RV, it’s important to understand how local ordinances apply to your situation. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by St. Paul residents regarding junk RVs, fines, and disposal options.
Can the City of St. Paul fine me for a junk RV parked on my property?
Yes. In St. Paul, a junk or inoperable RV parked on your private property may still violate city codes, especially if it’s visible from a public street. If it’s unregistered, immobile, or missing major parts, the city may issue a correction order or fine, even if it’s on your own driveway or side yard.
What kind of fines can I expect in St. Paul for a junk RV?
Fines in St. Paul start at $10 for a first offense, then rise to $25 for a second offense within 12 months. A third violation can lead to a $100 fine, and if unpaid within 72 hours, you could face penalties of up to $500 or a criminal complaint. Continued noncompliance can result in towing and additional charges.
Will the City of St. Paul tow my RV if it’s on my property?
If your RV is classified as a nuisance vehicle—meaning it’s inoperable, deteriorated, or abandoned—the city can tow it from private property after issuing a correction order or notice. You may also be liable for towing and storage fees. If the RV is blocking alleys or driveways, removal may be more urgent.
Does it matter where in St. Paul I park my junk RV?
Yes. Whether you live in Highland Park, Frogtown, Payne-Phalen, or the West Side, St. Paul’s ordinances apply citywide. Parking an inoperable RV where it’s visible from the street—even in residential neighborhoods—can trigger enforcement action.
Does HeyRV operate in nearby areas like Maplewood or Roseville?
Yes! HeyRV serves not just St. Paul, but surrounding cities including Maplewood, Roseville, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and even across the river in Minneapolis. No matter where your RV is parked in the Twin Cities metro, we can help.
