05/05/2026
With Demolition and Figure 8 season starting soon the City of Abingdon would like to inform participants of the ordinance that was passed by the city council.
Ordinance No. 2026- 1
UNPLATED DEMOLITION
DERBY MOTOR VEHICLE
WHEREAS the City Council for the City of Abingdon believes that unplated
motor vehicles intended for use in demolition races and events should not be declared
a nuisance so long as in accordance with the terms and conditions of set forth below.
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Abingdon believes that the public
interest will be served by amendment of Title 4 Nuisance 4-1B1-6.
NOW THEREFORE, Title 4 Health, Sanitation and Environment, Chapter 1
Nuisances, Article B Uplated Demolition Derby Vehicles 4-1B-1-5 is hereby added to
the City Code of the City of Abingdon, Knox County, Illinois, and shall read as follows:
Section 1:
4-1B-1: DEFINITIONS:
A. This ordinance is created to set simple rules for the keeping of
unplated demotion derby cars on private property. The goal is to keep yards clean,
prevent abandoned vehicles and to provide for removal under 625 ILCS 5/1-101.05.
B. Unplated Vehicle is defined to be a vehicle without current license
plates, including derby cars.
C. Derby Season is from April 1 through November 30 of each
calendar year.
D. Winter Storage is from December 1 through April 1 of each
calendar year.
E. A "junk vehicle" is any vehicle which is in a currently inoperable on
public streets or has not moved, under its own power, for 7 consecutive days.
4-1B-2: NUISANCE DECLARED:
A. All vehicles on private property, in violation of the terms,
conditions and restrictions of this Ordinance are declared to be a nuisance and subject
to the provisions of this article and the penalties set forth herein
DERBY SEASON RULES:
A. April 1 through November 30 of each calendar year.
B. All private or residential yards must be kept neat and clean, free
from any junk vehicle, scattered parts related the unplated vehicle or the repair thereof
and no tires without rims.
C. Only two (2) vehicles or parts thereof may stay in the yard for more
than 7 consecutive days.
D. Vehicle must remain moveable each week.
E. A vehicle that doesn't move for 7 consecutive days shall be treated
as an abandoned vehicle under the Ordinances of the City of Abingdon and Illinois
law.
4-1b-3 WINTER STORAGE RULES:
A. Only two (2) vehicles may be kept on the property.
B. Vehicles must be tucked away and tarped neatly.
C. All parts associated with or related to vehicles must be stored inside
or covered so that they are out of view of the general public.
4-1b-4 ENFORCEMENT:
A. Vehicles that do not adhere to the aforesaid rules may be
considered abandoned under the under the Ordinances of the City of Abingdon and
Illinois law.
B. The City of Abingdon shall give written notice to the record tide
holder of the vehicle and the record owner of the real estate whereon the vehicle is
located seven (7) days to cure the declared violation. Notice shall be by regular United
States mail, posting on the door of the residence located on the real estate, text or, if
available.
C. If the violations are not corrected within the aforesaid seven (7)
day period, the City of Abingdon may have the vehicle towed by a company licensed
by the Illinois Commerce Commission
D. Owners may remove personal items (including medical devices)
from the vehicle even if towing fees are unpaid.
E. Unclaimed vehicles will be disposed of in accordance with 625
ILCS 5/4-208 and 2-209.
4-1b-5 PENALTIES:
A. Any person who violates any provision of this article shall be fined
in a sum of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and not more than sevenhundred fifty dollars ($750.00).
B. Each seven (7) continuous day period that the violation exists shall
constitute a separate offence.
Section 2 This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its
passage and approval, as provided by law.
Passed: By the City Council of the City of Abingdon, Knox County,
Illinois, this 18th day of February, 2026, by a vote as follows:
[Y] Allen [Y] Thomas [Y] Swearingen [Y] Thompson
[Y] Brooks [Y] Dowell [Y] Hendricks [Y] Harrison
AB- Abstain Y-Yes N-No A-Absent
Approved: March 16, 2026.
