How Long Can a Car Sit Before Being Towed for Abandonment or Junking?

Have you ever left your car in a garage or on the street without giving it much thought? The duration for which you can leave your car unattended before it is considered abandoned or junked can vary significantly depending on where the car is located. In this article, we will explore the different scenarios and timelines for various common locations where vehicles can be left unattended.

The Garage Dilemma: Long-term Storage

Even in the familiar surroundings of your own garage, the length of time a car can remain without being driven can be considerable. For example, my wife’s Miata has been parked in my garage for 20 years and is still running. The real question is, is there a limit beyond which a vehicle can no longer be considered abandoned or junked?

Vehicle Parking Duration by Location

Garage

In a garage, a car can sit indefinitely as long as the vehicle is in good condition and the registration inscriptions are current. The key factor here is that your car should not become a public nuisance, and the registration and inspection should stay current. If it does, municipal laws may apply, and the vehicle could potentially be towed.

Driveway

Leaving a car in your driveway can also vary. In my town, if the registration and inspection are current, the car can be left indefinitely. However, if the town discovers that the registration or inspection is not current, the car could be towed within 24 hours. Similar rules may apply in other jurisdictions, so it's important to check local regulations.

Street Parking

Parking your car on the street usually has specific rules. In my town, letting a car sit overnight could result in towing. However, this can be a grey area. In some cases, residents have been parking cars on the street for extended periods, and have managed to avoid getting towed for years. In other places, street parking restrictions are more strictly enforced.

Parking Lots

In public parking lots, the timeline can vary too. A car left in a parking lot is less likely to be immediately noticed, but once it is, it may be towed within a few weeks. This depends on whether the property owner or the local authorities decide to enforce parking regulations.

Fields and Woods

Leaving a car in fields or the woods can have the longest timeline, as it is less likely to be discovered. Sometimes, such cars can remain untouched until they rust away or are reclaimed by the environment. However, this can be illegal and subject to towing by local authorities, particularly if the car is visibly abandoned.

On or in the Water

Leaving a car in a lake or any other body of water can result in the longest storage period as the vehicle can stay there indefinitely until it is discovered. Once found, it is typically towed and processed within days. However, the vehicle is often treated as abandoned and then dealt with by a tow company, whether for storage or dismantling.

Tow Company Procedures and Declaration of Abandonment

Once a car is towed, the process of declaring it abandoned and handling it can take some time. Typically, a tow company must wait 30 days before they can declare the car abandoned. During this period, the owner may still claim the vehicle. If it is unsellable or not claimed, the tow company can either sell it for storage fees or send it to the scrap yard.

Conclusion

The duration for which a car can sit unattended before being considered abandoned or junked varies widely depending on its location. Whether it's in a garage, driveway, or on the street, it's important to stay aware of local laws and regulations to avoid any unwanted consequences. Regular vehicle maintenance and awareness of any pending paperwork are crucial to prevent your car from being towed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What happens to a car that is towed as abandoned?
A1: After being towed, the car is usually held for a period before it can be declared abandoned. Once declared, it can either be sold for storage fees or scrapped.

Q2: Are there specific periods when a car is more likely to be towed?
A2: Yes, overnight parking on the street, being in a public lot, or in fields and woods can result in faster towing times. Check local laws to understand specific timelines.

Q3: How often should I check on a car left unattended in a garage or driveway?
A3: Regular checks and maintenance are necessary, especially if the car is old. Stay informed about the registration and inspection status to avoid potential towing issues.