A vehicle may be considered abandoned when it is:

• On private property without the owner's consent, or
• On public property, including county roads and city streets, for at least 48 hours, or
• On a state road or highway (e.g., M-99, U.S. 23, I-96) for at least 18 hours if a valid license plate is on the vehicle, or
• On a state road or highway for any period of time if a valid license plate is not on the vehicle.

Also, a vehicle removed under the following conditions is considered abandoned if not redeemed by the owner within seven days:

• Parked or idling on the highway so that it creates an immediate public hazard or an obstruction of traffic.
• Parked in a posted tow-away zone.
• A threat to public safety because its presence impedes rescue efforts during fire, flood, storm, snow, natural or man-made disaster or other emergency.
• Hampering the use of private property by the owner or person in charge of that property or is parked in a manner which impedes the movement of another vehicle.
• Illegally stopped, idling or parked in a designated disability parking space.
• Located in a clearly identified access aisle or access lane immediately adjacent to a disability parking space.
• Interfering with the use of a ramp or a curb-cut by people with disabilities.

A vehicle removed under the following conditions is considered abandoned if not redeemed by the owner within 20 days from the date of release by the law enforcement agency:

• Believed to be stolen.
• Seized to preserve evidence of a crime.
• Involved in a crash.

Back To Abandoned Vehicle FAQ's

If you did not find the information you need, enter a descriptive word or phrase in the Search field located in the upper right corner or send us an e-mail and we will help you get the information you need.