State-by-state comparison of the legal timeline for a vehicle left on private property (or towed from it) to be classified abandoned, held, noticed, and eventually sold or junked. This is a genuinely different process shape per state, not just a different number of days on the same form: Colorado uses a flat 24-hour threshold for a vehicle to count as abandoned on private property, and a separate 48-hour window for the owner to reclaim it from an impound lot before it is treated as abandoned there too. Georgia uses a single flat 30-day unattended-on-property threshold, with no separate notice-and-sale sequence specified at the abandonment-classification stage. Texas runs a multi-step notice sequence instead of a single threshold: the vehicle must sit at least 24 hours before a first notice is sent (within 5 days if Texas-registered, 14 days if out-of-state), a second notice follows 15-20 days after the first, and the storage facility must then wait at least 30 days after the second notice before a public sale — a ~65-90 day process from tow to sale, compared to Colorado's 24-48 hour classification. Answers 'how long do I have to get my towed car back before it's sold', and 'how long does a car have to sit on my property before I can have it removed as abandoned'. Relevant to property owners, HOAs, landlords, and people whose car has been towed.

How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Alabama

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** not less than 30 calendar days

**Owner notice process:** not less than 30 calendar days from the date the notice was sent to the owner and lienholder of record

**Statutory citation:** Section 32-13-1

> Section 32-13-1 Abandoned Motor Vehicle Defined; Posted Notice. For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (1) ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE. A motor vehicle as defined in Section 32-8-2, that has been unclaimed as provided in Section 32-8-84 for not less than 30 calendar days from the date the notice was sent to the owner and lienholder of record, or if no owner or lienholder of record could be determined, has been unclaimed for not less than 30 calendar days.

Source: <https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-32/chapter-13/section-32-13-1/>

Alabama — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Alaska

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** in excess of 24 hours

**Owner notice process:** may be removed under AS 28.11.030 and treated as an abandoned vehicle

**Statutory citation:** AS 28.11.020

> (a) A vehicle registered or titled as required under AS 28.10 that reasonably appears to have been left unattended, standing, parked upon or within 10 feet of the traveled portion of a highway or vehicular way or area in excess of 48 hours, or a vehicle registered or titled as required under AS 28.10 that reasonably appears to have been left standing or parked on private property in excess of 24 hours or upon other public property for more than 30 days, without the consent of the owner or person in charge of the property, notwithstanding other statutory provisions, may be removed under

Source: <https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-28-motor-vehicles/ak-st-sect-28-11-020.html>

Alaska — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Arizona

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** seventy-two hours on public or private property

**Owner notice process:** not specified at this stage

**Statutory citation:** 28-4801

> 28-4801 . Definitions In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. "Abandoned vehicle" means a vehicle, trailer or semitrailer that is of a type subject to registration under this title whether lost, stolen, abandoned or otherwise unclaimed and that has been abandoned on a public highway, public property or elsewhere in this state, including private property. Evidence that a vehicle was left unattended for a period of forty-eight hours within the right-of-way of any highway, road, street or other public thoroughfare or for a period of seventy-two hours on public or private property or elsewhere in this state is prima facie evidence of abandonment.

Source: <https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/04801.htm>

Arizona — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** California

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** immediate removal if signs are posted; 96 hours have elapsed since the issuance of that notice if a parking violation notice was issued

**Owner notice process:** (2) The vehicle has been issued a notice of parking violation, and 96 hours have elapsed since the issuance of that notice

**Statutory citation:** Vehicle Code § 22658

> (a) The owner or person in lawful possession of private property, including an association of a common interest development, as defined in Sections 4080 and 4100 or Sections 6528 and 6534 of the Civil Code, may cause the removal of a vehicle parked on the property to a storage facility that meets the requirements of subdivision (n) under any of the following circumstances: (1) There is displayed, in plain view at all entrances to the property, a sign not less than 17 inches by 22 inches in size, with lettering not less than one inch in height, prohibiting public parking and indicating that vehicles will be removed at the owner’s expense, and containing the telephone number of the local traffic law enforcement agency and the name and telephone number of each towing company that is a party to a written general towing authorization agreement with the owner or person in lawful possession of the property. The sign may also indicate that a citation may also be issued for the violation. (2) The vehicle has been issued a notice of parking violation, and 96 hours have elapsed since the issuance of that notice

Source: <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=22658.>

California — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Colorado

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** 24 hours or longer

**Statutory citation:** C.R.S. 42-4-2101

> A Motor Vehicle Is Considered Abandoned On Private Property When: Left unattended on private property for a period of 24 hours or longer or for such other period as may be established by local ordinance without the consent of the owner or lessee of such property or the owner's or lessee's legally authorized agent. Stored in an impound lot at the request of its owner or the owner's agent and not removed from the impound lot according to the agreement with the owner of the impound lot. Left on private property without the property owner's consent, towed at the request of the property owner and not removed from the impound lot by the vehicle owner within 48 hours. Fitted with an immobilization device that is on private property and deemed to be abandoned per CRS 42-4-1105(7)(c). Vehicles Abandoned on Private Property C.R.S. 42-4-2101

Source: <https://dmv.colorado.gov/abandoned-vehicles>

Colorado — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Connecticut

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** a period longer than twenty-four hours

**Statutory citation:** Sec. 14-150

> Sec. 14-150. Abandoned or unregistered motor vehicles and motor vehicles which are a menace to traffic. Notice. Removal. Storage. Hearing. Lien. Affidavit of compliance. Sale. Regulations re title to abandoned motor vehicles and re disposal of motor homes or recreational vehicles abandoned at campgrounds. (a) Any person who abandons any motor vehicle within the limits of any highway or upon property other than such person's own without the consent of the owner thereof for a period longer than twenty-four hours shall have committed an infraction and shall be fined not less than eighty-five dollars.

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2024/https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_246.htm>

Connecticut — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Delaware

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** inoperable, dismantled, wrecked, or which displays expired registration plates which are at least 30 days expired, or which displays no registration plates, or from which major components have been removed, is in such a state of disrepair as to be incapable of being operated in the manner for which it is designed and is situated on private property appearing to have been abandoned

**Statutory citation:** § 4401

> § 4401. Purpose; abandoned vehicles on private property or public highways; definition Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by <https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team.html> Findlaw Staff (a) The purpose of this chapter is to eliminate abandoned vehicles which tend to impede traffic in the streets or interfere with the enjoyment of, and reduce the value of, private property, to invite plundering, to create fire hazards and other safety and health hazards to children as well as to adults, to interfere with the comfort and well-being of the public and to create, extend and aggravate urban blight. (b) Any vehicle that is either: (1) inoperable, dismantled, wrecked, or which displays expired registration plates which are at least 30 days expired, or which displays no registration plates, or from which major components have been removed, is in such a state of disrepair as to be incapable of being operated in the manner for which it is designed and is situated on private property appearing to have been abandoned; or (2) which is inoperable, dismantled, wrecked, or which displays expired registration plates which are at least 30 days expired, or which displays no registration plates, or from which the major components have been removed and which shall have been placed upon any State or public highway or property or the property or roads of any political subdivision or the State or public highways within a municipality or upon any express highway in the State for a period in excess of 12 hours without being removed, shall be considered to be abandoned for the purpose of this chapter

Source: <https://codes.findlaw.com/de/title-21-motor-vehicles/de-code-sect-21-4401.html>

Delaware — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** District of Columbia

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** on private property for more than 30 days

**Statutory citation:** § 50–2431

> § 50–2431. Definitions. For the purposes of <https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/titles/50/chapters/24A> this chapter , the term: (1) "Abandoned vehicle" means any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is left, parked, or stored on public space for more than 48 hours or on private property for more than 30 days, and to which at least one of the following applies: (A) The vehicle is apparently inoperable, including a vehicle missing its transmission, motor, or one or more tires, and is not undergoing emergency repair; (B) The vehicle serves as harborage for rats, vermin, and other pests; or (C) The vehicle does not display valid vehicle identification tags, a valid registration sticker, or is an unidentifiable vehicle; except, that a vehicle shall not be deemed an abandoned vehicle under this subparagraph solely because the vehicle displays expired tags or registration sticker, unless the tags or registration sticker expired at least one year before any enforcement action is taken under <https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/titles/50/chapters/24A> this chapter , which shall be measured concurrently with the period of time required to establish that the vehicle is abandoned, as described in the lead-in language of this paragraph.

Source: <https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/50-2431>

District of Columbia — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Florida

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** immediate removal if tow-away signs are posted per s. 715.07

**Owner notice process:** notice of lien sent by certified mail within 5 business days after storage; notice of sale at least 30 days before sale

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** 35 days after the vehicle or vessel is stored by the lienor if the vehicle or vessel is an older model or 57 days after the vehicle or vessel is stored by the lienor if the vehicle or vessel is a newer model

**Statutory citation:** s. 713.78

> A vehicle or vessel that is stored pursuant to paragraph (2)(b) and remains unclaimed, or for which reasonable charges for recovery, towing, or storing remain unpaid, and any contents not released pursuant to subsection (10), may be sold by the owner or operator of the storage space for such towing or storage charge 35 days after the vehicle or vessel is stored by the lienor if the vehicle or vessel is an older model or 57 days after the vehicle or vessel is stored by the lienor if the vehicle or vessel is a newer model. The sale must be at public sale for cash.

Source: <https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/713.78>

Florida — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Georgia

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** not less than 30 days

> (C) Which has been lawfully towed onto the property of another at the request of a law enforcement officer and left there for a period of not less than 30 days without anyone having paid all reasonable current charges for such towing and storage; (D) Which has been lawfully towed onto the property of another at the request of a property owner on whose property the vehicle was abandoned and left there for a period of not less than 30 days without anyone having paid all reasonable current charges for such towing and storage; or (E) Which has been left unattended on private property for a period of not less than 30 days.

Source: <https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-40-motor-vehicles-and-traffic/ga-code-sect-40-11-1/>

Georgia — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Hawaii

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** any vehicle left unattended on private or public property without authorization of the owner or occupant of the property, may be towed away

**Owner notice process:** legal owner and last registered owner notified in writing by registered or certified mail within a reasonable period not to exceed fifteen days following the tow

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** thirty days after the mailing of the notice

**Statutory citation:** HRS § 290-11

> legal owner and the last registered owner of the vehicle from the department of transportation or the county department of finance. The legal owner and the last registered owner shall be notified in writing at the address on record with the department of transportation or with the county department of finance by registered or certified mail of the location of the vehicle, together with a description of the vehicle, within a reasonable period not to exceed fifteen days following the tow. The notice shall state: (A) The maximum towing charges and fees allowed by law; (B) The telephone number of the consumer information service of the department of commerce and consumer affairs; and (C) That if the vehicle is not recovered within thirty days after the mailing of the notice, the vehicle shall be deemed abandoned and will be sold or disposed of as junk.

Source: <https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0290/HRS_0290-0011.htm>

Hawaii — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Idaho

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** any person having possession or control of real property, including commercial property, who finds an unauthorized vehicle standing on his property is permitted to have the vehicle removed or booted if there is posted on or near the property in a clearly conspicuous location, in large print, a sign or notice that unauthorized vehicles will be removed or booted

**Owner notice process:** apply to the department for a title or junk certificate after thirty (30) days from the date of first notification

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** thirty (30) days from the date of first notification

**Statutory citation:** Idaho Code § 49-1806

> REMOVAL or BOOTING OF UNAUTHORIZED AND ABANDONED VEHICLEs FROM REAL PROPERTY. (1) Any person having possession or control of real property, including commercial property, who finds an unauthorized vehicle standing on his property is permitted to have the vehicle removed or booted if there is posted on or near the property in a clearly conspicuous location, in large print, a sign or notice that unauthorized vehicles will be removed or booted at the owner’s expense and designating the name of the towing firm. Unauthorized vehicles need not meet the provisions of section <https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title49/T49CH1/SECT49-102> 49-102 (2), Idaho Code, in this instance. (2) Any person having possession or control of real property, excluding commercial property, who finds an abandoned vehicle standing on his property when the property is not posted as set out in subsection (1) of this section may contact a tow company to remove the vehicle. The tow company shall have the person having possession or control of the property sign a release form to the tow company identifying himself as the person having possession or control of real property, identifying the vehicle being removed, and taking responsibility for the removal of the vehicle.

Source: <https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title49/T49CH18/SECT49-1806/>

Idaho — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Illinois

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** after a waiting period of 7 days or more

**Owner notice process:** law enforcement agency having jurisdiction authorizes removal

**Statutory citation:** 625 ILCS 5/4-201

> Abandonment of vehicles prohibited. (a) The abandonment of a vehicle or any part thereof on any highway in this State is unlawful and subject to penalties as set forth under Penalty Section 4-214 of this Chapter. (b) The abandonment of a vehicle or any part thereof on private or public property, other than a highway, in view of the general public, anywhere in this State is unlawful except on property of the owner or bailee of such abandoned vehicle. A vehicle or any part thereof so abandoned on private property shall be authorized for removal, by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction, after a waiting period of 7 days or more, or may be removed immediately if determined to be a hazardous dilapidated motor vehicle under Section 11-40-3.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code.

Source: <https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K4-201.htm>

Illinois — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Indiana

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** seventy-two (72) hours, for any other vehicle

**Owner notice process:** officer attaches a notice tag; vehicle will be removed after seventy-two (72) hours for any other vehicle

**Statutory citation:** IC 9-22-1-11

> Sec. 11 . (a) 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) except as provided in subsection (b), seventy-two (72) hours, for any other vehicle.

Source: <https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-9-motor-vehicles/in-code-sect-9-22-1-11.html>

Indiana — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Iowa

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than twenty-four hours

**Statutory citation:** 321.89

> 321.89 Abandoned vehicles. 1. Definitions. As used in this section and sections 321.90 and 321.91 unless the context otherwise requires: a. “Abandoned vehicle” means any of the following: (1) A vehicle that has been left unattended on public property for more than twenty-four hours and lacks current registration plates or two or more wheels or other parts which renders the vehicle totally inoperable. (2) A vehicle that has remained illegally on public property for more than twenty-four hours. (3) A vehicle that has been unlawfully parked on private property or has been placed on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than twenty-four hours. (4) A vehicle that has been legally impounded by order of a police authority and has not been reclaimed for a period of ten days. However, a police authority may declare the vehicle abandoned wi

Source: <https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321.89.pdf>

Iowa — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Kansas

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** the provisions of subsection (a) requiring that a motor vehicle be abandoned for a period of time in excess of 48 hours prior to its removal shall not be applicable to abandoned vehicles that are subject to the provisions of this subsection

> (b) Any person who abandons and leaves a vehicle on real property, other than public property or property open to use by the public, that is not owned or leased by such person or by the owner or lessee of such vehicle shall be guilty of criminal trespass, as defined in K.S.A. <https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_058_0008.html> 21-5808 , and amendments thereto, and upon request of the owner or occupant of such real property, the public agency in whose jurisdiction such property is situated may remove and dispose of such vehicle in the manner provided in subsection (a), except that the provisions of subsection (a) requiring that a motor vehicle be abandoned for a period of time in excess of 48 hours prior to its removal shall not be applicable to abandoned vehicles that are subject to the provisions of this subsection. Any person removing such vehicle from the real property at

Source: <https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch08/008_011_0002.html>

Kansas — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Kentucky

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** forty-five (45) days

**Statutory citation:** 376.275

> 376.275 Lien on motor vehicles and contents for reasonable and applicable charges under KRS 281.920 to 281.936 -- Forfeiture and sale of contents -- Exempted contents -- Limitation of storage or towing company's liability. (1) (a) Any person engaged in the business of storing or towing motor vehicles, who has complied with the notification requirements of KRS 281.928, shall have a lien on the motor vehicle and its contents, except as set forth in subsection (2) of this section, for the applicable and reasonable charges assessed in accordance with KRS 281.926 and 281.932, as long as it remains in his or her possession. (b) If, after a period of forty-five (45) days, the applicable and reasonable charges assessed in accordance with KRS 281.926 and 281.932 have not been paid, the motor vehicle and its contents, except as set forth in subsection (2) of this section, may be sold to pay the charges after the owner and any lienholder have been notified by certified mail at the addresses speci

Source: <https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=54934>

Kentucky — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Louisiana

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** a motor vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than three days

**Owner notice process:** not specified at this stage

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** not specified at this stage

**Statutory citation:** 32:471

> RS 32:471 " id="ctl00_PageBody_ButtonNext" title="view next" /> <https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/LawPrint.aspx?d=88441> PART III. PARKING MOTOR VEHICLES §471. Definitions The following words and phrases, when used in this Chapter, shall have the meanings herein assigned unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: (1) "Abandoned motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is inoperable and is left unattended on public property for more than twenty-four hours, or is inoperable and left unattended on the shoulder or right-of-way of an interstate or a four-lane highway for more than twenty-four hours, or a motor vehicle that has remained illegally on public property for a period of more than twenty-four hours, or a motor vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than three days.

Source: <https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=88441>

Louisiana — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Maine

**Owner notice process:** 14 days after the notices to the owner and lienholder are sent by the Secretary of State or 14 days after the advertisement is published

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** 14 days

**Statutory citation:** §1852

> §1852. Abandonment defined For the purposes of this subchapter, a vehicle is considered "abandoned" if the owner or lienholder does not retrieve it and pay all reasonable charges for towing, storing and authorized repair of the vehicle within 14 days after the notices to the owner and lienholder are sent by the Secretary of State or 14 days after the advertisement is published as required in <https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec1854.html> section 1854, subsection 4 . There is a rebuttable presumption that the last owner of record of a motor vehicle found abandoned as shown in the files of the office of the Secretary of State is the owner of the motor vehicle at the time i

Source: <https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec1852.html>

Maine — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Maryland

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than 48 hours without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property

**Statutory citation:** 25–201

> §25–201. (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Abandoned vehicle” means any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer: (1) That is inoperable and left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours; (2) That has remained illegally on public property for more than 48 hours; (3) That has remained on private property for more than 48 hours without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property; (4) That has remained in a garage for more than 10 days after the garage keeper has given the owner of the vehicle notice by ce

Source: <https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr&section=25-201>

Maryland — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Massachusetts

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than seventy-two hours upon a public or private way therein or on any property therein without the permission of the owner or lessee of said property

**Statutory citation:** Section 22C

> Section 22C: Abandoned motor vehicles; removal and disposal Section 22C. If the superintendent of streets or other officer having charge of the public ways in a city or town reasonably deems that any motor vehicle apparently abandoned by its owner and standing for more than seventy-two hours upon a public or private way therein or on any property therein without the permission of the owner or lessee of said property or if a captain or lieutenant of the state police reasonably deems that any motor vehicle apparently abandoned by its owner and standing for more than seventy-two hours upon any pr

Source: <https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section22C>

Massachusetts — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Michigan

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** A vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner.

**Statutory citation:** 257.252a

> 257.252a Abandoned vehicle; presumption of responsibility; violation; penalty; "abandoned vehicle" defined; notice; duties of police agency; contest by owner; hearing; request; fee; towing and storage charges; secured party; obtaining release of vehicle; inspection; public sale; inability to determine ownership of abandoned vehicle; entry into law enforcement information network. Sec. 252a. (1) A person shall not abandon a vehicle in this state. It is presumed that the last titled owner of the vehicle is responsible for abandoning the vehicle unless the person provides a record of the sale as that term is defined in section 240. A person who violates this subsection and who fails to redeem the vehicle before disposition of the vehicle under section 252g is responsible for a civil infraction and shall be ordered to pay a civil fine of $50.00. (2) As used in this section and sections 252b through 252l, "abandoned vehicle" means any of the following: (a) A vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner. (b

Source: <https://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?mcl-257-252a>

Michigan — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Minnesota

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** single-family or duplex residential property, immediately; (ii) that is private, nonresidential property, properly posted, immediately; (iii) that is private, nonresidential property, not posted, 24 hours

**Statutory citation:** 168B.04

> 168B.04 AUTHORITY TO IMPOUND VEHICLES. § Subdivision 1. Abandoned or junk vehicles. Units of government and peace officers may take into custody and impound any abandoned or junk vehicle. § Subd. 2. Unauthorized vehicles. (a) Units of government and peace officers may take into custody and impound any unauthorized vehicle under section <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/168B.035> 168B.035 . (b) A vehicle may also be impounded after it has been left unattended in one of the following public or private locations for the indicated period of time: (1) in a public location not governed by section <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2025/cite/168B.035> 168B.035 : (i) on a highway and properly tagged by a peace officer, four hours; (ii) located so as to constitute an accident or traffic hazard to the traveling public, as determined by a peace officer, immediately; (iii) located so as to constitute an accident or traffic hazard to the traveling public within the Department of Transportation's eight-county metropolitan district, as determined by an authorized employee of the department's freeway service patrol, immediately; or (iv) that is a parking facility or other public property owned or controlled by a unit of government, properly posted, four hours; or (2) on private property: (i) that is single-family or duplex residential property, immediately; (ii) that is private, nonresidential property, properly posted, immediately; (iii) that is private, nonresidential property, not posted, 24 hours; (iv) that is private, nonresidential property of an operator of an establishment for the servicing, repair, or maintenance of motor vehicles, five business days after notifyi

Source: <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/168B.04>

Minnesota — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Mississippi

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** lawfully towed onto the property of another at the written request of a law enforcement officer and left there for a period of not less than forty (40) days without any one having made claim thereto

**Owner notice process:** not specified at this stage

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** not specified at this stage

**Statutory citation:** 63-23-3

> § 63-23-3 Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by <https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team.html> Findlaw Staff For the purposes of this chapter, an “abandoned motor vehicle” shall mean a motor vehicle as defined by the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Title Law: (a) which has been left by the owner, or some person acting for the owner, with an automobile dealer, repairman or wrecker service for repair or for some other reason and has not been called for by such owner or other person within a period of forty (40) days after the time agreed upon or within forty (40) days after such vehicle is turned over to such dealer, repairman or wrecker service when no time is agreed upon. (b) which is left unattended on a public street, road or highway or other public property for a period of at least five (5) days. (c) which has been lawfully towed onto the property of another at the written request of a law enforcement officer and left there for a period of not less than forty (40) days without any one having made claim thereto.

Source: <https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-63-motor-vehicles-and-traffic-regulations/ms-code-sect-63-23-3/>

Mississippi — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Missouri

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** left unattended for more than forty-eight hours

**Statutory citation:** 304.157

> 304.157. Vehicles left unattended or improperly parked on private property of another, procedure for removal and disposition — violation of certain required procedure, penalty. — 1. If a person abandons property, as defined in section <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=304.001> 304.001 , on any real property owned by another without the consent of the owner or person in possession of the property, at the request of the person in possession of the real property, any member of the state highway patrol, state water patrol * , sheriff, or other law enforcement officer within his jurisdiction may authorize a towing company to remove such abandoned property from the property in the following circumstances: (1) The abandoned property is left unattended for more than forty-eight hours; or (2) In the judgment of a law enforcement officer, the abandoned property constitutes a safety hazard or unreasonably interferes with the use of the real property by the person in possession.

Source: <https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=304.157>

Missouri — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Montana

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** 5 days or more on a city street, public property, or private property

**Owner notice process:** not specified at this stage

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** not specified at this stage

**Statutory citation:** 61-12-401

> 61-12-401 . Taking vehicle into custody. (1) The following law enforcement agencies and department of fish, wildlife, and parks personnel may take into custody any vehicle found abandoned for a period of 48 hours or more on a public highway or for a period of 5 days or more on a city street, public property, or private property:

Source: <https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610/chapter_0120/part_0040/section_0010/0610-0120-0040-0010.html>

Montana — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Nebraska

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than seven days on private property if left initially without permission of the owner, or after permission of the owner is terminated

**Statutory citation:** Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-1901

> (d) If left unattended for more than seven days on private property if left initially without permission of the owner, or after permission of the owner is terminated;

Source: <https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=60-1901>

Nebraska — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Nevada

**Owner notice process:** the person who removed the vehicle must notify the registered owner and any person having a security interest in the vehicle by registered or certified mail that the vehicle has been removed and will be junked or dismantled or otherwise disposed of unless the registered owner or the person having a security interest in the vehicle responds and pays the costs of removal.

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** 15 days after notification

**Statutory citation:** NRS 487.250

> the person who removed the vehicle must notify the registered owner and any person having a security interest in the vehicle by registered or certified mail that the vehicle has been removed and will be junked or dismantled or otherwise disposed of unless the registered owner or the person having a security interest in the vehicle responds and pays the costs of removal. ����� 3.  Failure to reclaim within 15 days after notification a vehicle appraised at $500 or less constitutes a waiver of interest in the vehicle by any person having an interest in the vehicle.

Source: <https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-487.html>

Nevada — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** New Hampshire

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than 24 hours without the appropriate permission being given

**Owner notice process:** 10 days' notice to redeem it

**Statutory citation:** RSA 262:40-c

> a vehicle shall be considered abandoned if it has been left for more than 24 hours without the appropriate permission being given or at a storage facility after having been given 10 days' notice to redeem it.

Source: <https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXI/262/262-mrg.htm>

New Hampshire — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** New Jersey

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** 90 days after such removal

**Statutory citation:** N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.6

> If the owner of the vehicle refuses to pay such costs or fails to make any claim for the return of the vehicle within 90 days after such removal, the vehicle may be sold at public auction

Source: <https://codes.findlaw.com/nj/title-39-motor-vehicles-and-traffic-regulation/nj-st-sect-39-4-56-6.html>

New Jersey — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** New Mexico

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** left unattended on either public or private property for at least 30 days

**Statutory citation:** NMSA 1978 (NM MVD Vehicle Procedures Manual, Chapter 1)

> Abandoned vehicle a vehicle or motor vehicle that has been determined by a New Mexico law enforcement agency: (1) to have been left unattended on either public or private property for at least 30 days; (2) not to have been reported stolen; (3) not to have been claimed by any person asserting ownership; and (4) not to have been shown by normal record-checking procedures to be owned by any person

Source: <https://www.mvd.newmexico.gov/chapter-1-vehicles-definitions/>

New Mexico — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** New York

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than ninety-six hours on property of another if left without permission of the owner

**Owner notice process:** Such local authority shall notify the last owner, if known, that the vehicle in question has been recovered as an abandoned vehicle and that, if unclaimed, it will be sold at public auction or by bid after ten days from the date such notice was given.

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** ten days from the date such notice was given

**Statutory citation:** N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 1224

> for more than ninety-six hours on property of another if left without permission of the owner. 2. If an abandoned vehicle, at the time of abandonment, has no number plates affixed and is of a wholesale value, taking into consideration the condition of the vehicle, of two thousand two hundred fifty dollars or less, ownership shall immediately vest in the local authority having jurisdiction thereof and title to the vehicle shall vest in accordance with applicable law and regulations of the commissioner, provided however that a local authority shall not be required to obtain title to an abandoned vehicle that is subject to the provisions of this subdivision if the vehicle will be sold or otherwise disposed of as junk or salvage, dismantled for use other than as a motor vehicle, or otherwise destroyed. 3. (a) Except for vehicles governed by subdivision two, a local authority having custody of an abandoned vehicle shall make an inquiry concerning the last owner of such vehicle as follows: (i) abandoned vehicle with number plates affixed--to the jurisdiction which issued such number plates; (ii) abandoned vehicle with no number plates affixed--the department of motor vehicles. (b) Such local authority shall notify the last owner, if known, that the vehicle in question has been recovered as an abandoned vehicle and that, if unclaimed, it will be sold at public auction or by bid after ten days from the date such notice was given.

Source: <https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/1224>

New York — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** North Carolina

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than 10 days without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property

**Statutory citation:** G.S. § 20-137.7

> "Abandoned vehicle" means a motor vehicle that has remained illegally on private or public property for a period of more than 10 days without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property.

Source: <https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-137.7.html>

North Carolina — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Ohio

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** at least four hours without the permission of the person having the right to the possession of the property

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** thirty days

**Statutory citation:** Ohio Rev. Code § 4513.60

> may order into storage any motor vehicle, other than an abandoned junk motor vehicle as defined in section <https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4513.63> 4513.63 of the Revised Code, that has been left on private residential or private agricultural property for at least four hours without the permission of the person having the right to the possession of the property. The sheriff or chief, upon complaint of a repair garage or place of storage, may order into storage any motor vehicle, other than an abandoned junk motor vehicle, that has been left at the garage or place of storage for a longer period than that agreed upon. When ordering a motor vehicle into storage pursuant to this division, a sheriff or chief may arrange for the removal of the motor vehicle by a towing service and shall designate a storage facility. (2) A towing service towing a motor vehicle under division (A)(1) of this section shall remove the motor vehicle in accordance with that division. The towing service shall deliver the motor vehicle to the location designated by the sheriff or chief not more than two hours after the time it is removed from the private property, unless the towing service is unable to deliver the motor vehicle within two hours due to an uncontrollable force, natural disaster, or other event that is not within the power of the towing service. (3) Subject to division (B) of this section, the owner of a motor vehicle that has been removed pursuant to this division may recover the vehicle only in accordance with division (D) of this section. (4) As used in this section, "private residential property" means private property on which is located one or more structures that are used as a home, residence, or sleeping place by one or more persons, if no more than three separate households are maintained in the structure or structures. "Private residential property" does not include any private property on which is located one or more structures that are used as a home, residence, or sleeping place by two or more persons, if more than three separate households are maintained in the structure or structures. (B) If the owner or operator of a motor vehicle that has been ordered into storage pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section arrives after the motor vehicle has been prepared for removal, but prior to its actual removal from the property, the towing service shall give the owner or operator oral or written notification at the time of such arrival that the vehicle owner or operator may pay a fee of not more than one-half of the fee for the removal of the motor vehicle established by the public utilities commission in rules adopted under section <https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4921.25> 4921.25 of the Revised Code, in order to obtain release of the motor vehicle. However, if the vehicle is within a municipal corporation and the municipal corporation has established a vehicle removal fee, the towing service shall give the owner or operator oral or written notification that the owner or operator may pay not more than one-half of that fee to obtain release of the motor vehicle. That fee may be paid by use of a major credit card unless the towing service uses a mobile credit card processor and mobile service is not available at the time of the transaction. Upon payment of the applicable fee, the towing service shall give the vehicle owner or operator a receipt showing both the full amount normally assessed and the actual amount received and shall release the motor vehicle to the owner or operator. Upon its release, the owner or operator immediately shall move it so that it is not on the private residential or private agricultural property without the permission of the person having the right to possession of the property, or is not at the garage or place of storage without the permission of the owner, whichever is applicable. (C)(1) Each county sheriff and each chief of a law enforcement agency of a municipal corporation, township, port authority, conservancy district, or township or joint police district shall maintain a record of motor vehicles that the sheriff or chief orders into storage pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section. The record shall include an entry for each such motor vehicle that identifies the motor vehicle's license number, make, model, and color, the location from which it was removed, the date and time of its removal, the telephone number of the person from whom it may be recovered, and the address of the place to which it has been taken and from which it may be recovered. A sheriff or chief shall provide any information in the record that pertains to a particular motor vehicle to any person who, either in person or pursuant to a telephone call, identifies self as the owner or operator of the motor vehicle and requests information pertaining to its location. (2) Any person who registers a complaint that is the basis of a sheriff's or chief's order for the removal and storage of a motor vehicle under division (A)(1) of this section shall provide the identity of the law enforcement agency with which the complaint was registered to any person who identifies self as the owner or operator of the motor vehicle and requests information pertaining to its location. (D)(1) The owner or lienholder of a motor vehicle that is ordered into storage pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section may reclaim it upon both of the following: (a) Payment of all applicable fees established by the public utilities commission in rules adopted under section <https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4921.25> 4921.25 of the Revised Code or, if the vehicle was towed within a municipal corporation that has established fees for vehicle removal and storage, payment of all applicable fees established by the municipal corporation. Section <https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2930.11> 2930.11 of the Revised Code does not apply with regard to the payment of fees for motor vehicle removal and storage under this section. (b) Presentation of proof of ownership, which may be evidenced by a certificate of title to the motor vehicle, a certificate of registration for the motor vehicle, or a lease agreement. When the owner of a vehicle towed under this section retrieves the vehicle, the towing service or storage facility in possession of the vehicle shall give the owner written notice that if the owner disputes that the motor vehicle was lawfully towed, the owner may be able to file a civil action under section <https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4513.611> 4513.611 of the Revised Code. (2) Upon presentation of proof of ownership as required under division (D)(1)(b) of this section, the owner of a motor vehicle that is ordered into storage under division (A)(1) of this section may retrieve any personal items from the motor vehicle without retrieving the vehicle and without paying any fee. However, a towing service or storage facility may charge an after-hours retrieval fee established by the public utilities commission in rules adopted under section <https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4921.25> 4921.25 of the Revised Code if the owner retrieves the personal items after hours, unless the towing service or storage facility fails to provide the notice required under division (B)(3) of section <https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4513.69> 4513.69 of the Revised Code, if applicable. The owner of a motor vehicle shall not do either of the following: (a) Retrieve any personal item that has been determined by the sheriff or chief, as applicable, to be necessary to a criminal investigation; (b) Retrieve any personal item from a vehicle if it would endanger the safety of the owner, unless the owner agrees to sign a waiver of liability. For purposes of division (D)(2) of this section, "personal items" do not include any items that are attached to the motor vehicle. (3) If a motor vehicle that is ordered into storage pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section remains unclaimed by the owner for thirty days, the procedures establishe

Source: <https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4513.60>

Ohio — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Oregon

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** not reclaimed within 30 days after it is taken into custody

**Statutory citation:** ORS 819.100, ORS 819.210

> If a vehicle taken into custody under ORS 819.110 or 819.120 is not reclaimed within 30 days after it is taken into custody, the person that towed the vehicle shall either: ����� (a) Sell the vehicle and its contents at public auc

Source: <https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors819.html>

Oregon — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Pennsylvania

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than 24 hours

**Owner notice process:** Prior to removal or processing of the vehicle, that person shall file a report, on a multipart form prescribed by the department, with the local police department declaring that an unauthorized vehicle has been left unattended and on private property for at least 24 hours.

**Statutory citation:** 75 Pa.C.S. § 7311.1

> A person on whose private property is located a vehicle which has remained on the property without the consent of the property owner or his agent for more than 24 hours may authorize the removal or processing of the vehicle. (2) Prior to removal or processing of the vehicle, that person shall file a report, on a multipart form prescribed by the department, with the local police department declaring that an unauthorized vehicle has been left unattended and on private property for at least 24 hours. One part

Source: <https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute&txtType=PDF&ttl=75&div=00.&chpt=73&sctn=11&subsctn=1>

Pennsylvania — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Rhode Island

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than three (3) days

**Statutory citation:** R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-42-1

> R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-42-1 § 31-42-1. Definitions. (a) “Abandoned motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle that is inoperable and over eight (8) years old and is left unattended on public property for more than forty-eight (48) hours, or a motor vehicle that has remained illegally on public property for a period of more than three (3) days, or a motor vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than three (3) days.

Source: <http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE31/31-42/31-42-1.htm>

Rhode Island — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** South Carolina

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than seven days

**Statutory citation:** S.C. Code Ann. § 56-5-5810

> SECTION 56-5-5810. Definitions. For the purposes of this article and Article 39: (a) "Officer" means any state, county, or municipal law enforcement officer, including county and municipal code enforcement and sanitation officers. (b) "Abandoned vehicle" means a vehicle required to be registered in this State if operated on a public highway in this State that is left unattended on a highway for more than forty-eight hours, or a vehicle that has remained on private or other public property for a period of more than seven days without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property.

Source: <https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.php>

South Carolina — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Tennessee

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than forty-eight (48) hours

**Statutory citation:** Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-16-103

> Tennessee / <https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-55-motor-and-other-vehicles/> Title 55. Motor and Other Vehicles / § 55-16-103 Tennessee Code Title 55. Motor and Other Vehicles § 55-16-103 Current as of January 02, 2024 | Updated by <https://www.findlaw.com/company/our-team.html> Findlaw Staff As used in this section and <https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=L&originatingContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&pubNum=1000039&refType=LQ&originatingDoc=Ibccb7bd034e511ec836cbe43105259ed&cite=TNSTS55-16-104> §§ 55-16-104 -- <https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=L&originatingContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&pubNum=1000039&refType=LQ&originatingDoc=Ibccb7bd134e511ec836cbe43105259ed&cite=TNSTS55-16-109> 55-16-109 : (1) “ Abandoned motor vehicle ” means a motor vehicle that: (A) Is over four (4) years old and is left unattended on public property for more than ten (10) days; (B) Is in an obvious state of disrepair and is left unattended on public property for more than three (3) days; (C) Has remained illegally on public property for a period of more than forty-eight (48) hours;

Source: <https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-55-motor-and-other-vehicles/tn-code-sect-55-16-103.html>

Tennessee — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Texas

**Owner notice process:** The storage company must notify you twice that your car is in storage. A vehicle must be on the lot for at least 24 hours before the first notice is sent. If the vehicle is registered in Texas, the notice must be sent no later than the 5th day it is on the lot. If the vehicle is registered in another state, the notice must be sent no later than the 14th day the vehicle is on the lot. The second notification must be sent between the 15th day and the 20th day after the date the first notice was mailed or published.

**Minimum time before sale/disposal:** 31 days of the storage company sending you a 2nd written notice

> The storage company must notify you twice that your car is in storage. A vehicle must be on the lot for at least 24 hours before the first notice is sent. If the vehicle is registered in Texas, the notice must be sent no later than the 5th day it is on the lot. If the vehicle is registered in another state, the notice must be sent no later than the 14th day the vehicle is on the lot. The second notification must be sent between the 15th day and the 20th day after the date the first notice was mailed or published. If you don’t claim your car within 31 days of the storage company sending you a 2nd written notice, the vehicle can be sold at auction.

Source: <https://texaslawhelp.org/article/towed-vehicles>

Texas — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Utah

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** in excess of seven days

**Statutory citation:** Utah Code § 41-6a-1408

> (1) As used in this section, “ abandoned vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor ” means a vehicle, vessel, or outboard motor that is left unattended: (a) on a highway or on or in the waters of the state for a period in excess of 48 hours; or (b) on public or private property for a period in excess of seven days without express or implied consent of the owner or person in lawful possession or control of the property.

Source: <https://codes.findlaw.com/ut/title-41-motor-vehicles/ut-code-sect-41-6a-1408.html>

Utah — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Virginia

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than 48 hours on private property without the consent of the property's owner

**Statutory citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-1200

> "Abandoned motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that: 1. Weighs at least 75 pounds; and 2. (i) Is left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours in violation of a state law or local ordinance; (ii) has remained for more than 48 hours on private property without the consent of the property's owner, regardless of whether it was brought onto the private property with the consent of the owner or person in control of the private property; or

Source: <https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter12/section46.2-1200/>

Virginia — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Washington

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** 24 hours (for private, nonresidential property, not posted)

**Statutory citation:** RCW 46.55.010

> "Unauthorized vehicle" means a vehicle that is subject to impoundment after being left unattended in one of the following public or private locations for the indicated period of time: Subject to removal after: | (a) | Public locations: | (i) | Constituting an accident or a traffic hazard as defined in RCW <http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.55.113> 46.55.113 . . . . Immediately | (ii) | On a highway and tagged as described in RCW 46.55.085 . . . . 24 hours | (iii) | In a publicly owned or controlled parking facility, properly posted under RCW 46.55.070 . . . . Immediately | (iv) | Within the right-of-way used by a regional transit authority for high capacity transportation where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to the operation of high capacity transportation vehicles or jeopardizes public safety. . . . Immediately | (v) | Within the right-of-way used by a city with a population greater than 700,000 for streetcar operations where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to the operation of streetcar vehicles or jeopardizes public safety . . . . Immediately | (b) | Private locations: | (i) | On residential property . . . . Immediately | (ii) | On private, nonresidential property, properly posted under RCW 46.55.070 . . . . Immediately | (iii) | On private, nonresidential property, not posted . . . . 24 hours

Source: <https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.55.010>

Washington — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Wisconsin

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than 48 hours in cities of the 1st class and, in other cities, villages and towns, a period set by the governing body thereof

**Statutory citation:** 342.40

> 342.40 Vehicle abandonment prohibited; removal; disposal. <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/342.40(1c)> 342.40(1c) (1c) In this section, “owner” includes the lessee of a vehicle if the vehicle is registered, or required to be registered, by the lessee under ch. <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/ch.%20341> 341 . <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/342.40(1m)> 342.40(1m) (1m) No person shall leave unattended any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer or mobile home on any public highway or private or public property, for such time and under such circumstances as to cause the vehicle to reasonably appear to have been abandoned. Except as otherwise provided in this section, whenever any vehicle has been left unattended without the permission of the property owner for more than 48 hours in cities of the 1st class and, in other cities, villages and towns, a period set by the governing body thereof, the vehicle is deemed abandoned and constitutes a public nuisance. A motor vehicle shall not be considered an abandoned motor vehicle when it is out of ordinary public view, or when designated as not abandoned by a duly authorized municipal or county official pursuant to municipal or county ordinance.

Source: <https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/342.40>

Wisconsin — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state


**State:** Wyoming

**Time to count as abandoned on private property:** more than thirty (30) days without the oral or written consent of the owner or the person in lawful possession or control of the property

**Statutory citation:** 31-13-101

> 31-13-101. Definitions. (a) As used in this act: (i) Repealed by Laws 1991, ch. 241, § 4. (ii) "Department" means the department of transportation; (iii) "Highway" means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel; (iv) "Lienholder" means a person holding a valid security interest in a vehicle; (v) "Local authorities" means as provided by W.S. 31-5-102(a)(xix); (vi) "Owner" means as provided by W.S. 31-5-102(a)(xxvi); (vii) "Police officer" means as provided by W.S. 31-5-102(a)(xxxiii); (viii) "Registration" means the certificate of title or certificates and registration card issued under the laws of this state pertaining to the registration of vehicles; (ix) "Vehicle" means: (A) As provided by W.S. 31-5-102(a)(lviii) excepting every vehicle which is designed for agricultural purposes and exclusively used by the owner thereof in the conduct of his agricultural operations; (B) A housetrailer as provided by W.S. 31-1-101(a)(xxiii)(A) which is not installed on a permanent foundation and which is not taxable as real property; (C) A transportable home as provided by W.S. 31-1-101(a)(xxiv)(C) which is not installed on a permanent foundation and which is not taxable as real property; or (D) Watercraft titled under W.S. 31-2-101(b). (x) "Abandoned vehicle" means: (A) Any vehicle left unattended on a highway for more than twenty-four (24) hours after a notice of intent to impound has been placed on the vehicle by a police officer pursuant to this act; (B) Any vehicle left unattended on public or private property without the oral or written consent of the owner or person in lawful possession or control of the property for more than five (5) days after a notice of intent to impound has been placed on the vehicle by a police officer pursuant to this act; (C) Any vehicle left unattended or unclaimed on private property for more than thirty (30) days without the oral or written consent of the owner or the person in lawful possession or control of the property or for more than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the oral or written consent;

Source: <https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title31.pdf>

Wyoming — How long before a car left on your property or towed from it can legally be sold — by US state