Abandoned vehicles

• Visit the Michigan Legislature website MCL - Section 257.252a - Michigan Legislature.
• Contact the custodian for details.
• Petition for court hearing AV Court Petition DC90 Form (Petition Regarding Impoundment of a Motor Vehicle or Seizure of Motorcycle).

AV Court Petition DC90 Form

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and motorcycles. Vessel includes watercraft.

Visit the Michigan Legislature website MCL - Section 257.252a - Michigan Legislature, MCL 257.252g or Section 81151(3), Section 82161(3) 2014 PA 549 or MCL 324.8905a(4) for details.

Please note: Vehicle include motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• Law enforcement is not required to tag a vehicle or vessel before having it removed. Tagging is now optional. Some law enforcement agencies may continue this practice.
• Visit the Michigan Legislature website MCL - Section 257.252a - Michigan Legislature for details.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• 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.
• Visit the Michigan Legislature website MCL - Section 257.252a - Michigan Legislature for details.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• An individual or a business is not allowed to claim ownership of a vehicle or vessel abandoned on their property.
• The vehicle or vessel must be removed from the property and processed according to the state's abandoned law.
• Contact local law enforcement or a tow company having jurisdiction in the area where the abandoned vehicle is located to request the removal of the vehicle from the property.
• The opportunity may arise to bid on the vehicle or vessel if it is offered at public auction.
• Abandoned vehicle titles are nonexistent.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• The ticket should contain information regarding what action is required by law enforcement.
• Contact the law enforcement agency that appears on the ticket for further assistance. 

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• Visit the Michigan Legislature website at MCL - Section 570.303 - Michigan Legislature for details.
• Contact the Internal Services Section at 517-636-5872 for further assistance.

• Visit the Michigan Legislature website MCL - Section 570.525 - Michigan Legislature for details.
• Contact the Internal Services Section at 517-636-5872 for further assistance.

• Visit Michigan Department of State e-Services to locate the vehicle.
• Contact the custodian to make an arrangement to redeem the vehicle.
• Provide the vehicle registration and/or title of the vehicle to the custodian as proof of ownership.
• Visit the Michigan Legislature website MCL - Section 257.252a - Michigan Legislature for details.
• Contact the Abandoned Vehicle Help Desk at 517-636-5234 for assistance.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• Contact local law enforcement or a tow company with jurisdiction in the area in which the abandoned vehicle is located to request the removal of the vehicle from the property.
• Visit the Michigan Legislature website MCL - Section 257.252k - Michigan Legislature, MCL - Section 324.80130o - Michigan Legislature or MCL - Section 324.82161 - Michigan Legislature for details.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• If the vehicle was sold and the title was signed over to a new owner, the vehicle is no longer under your ownership.
• Once the title is signed by the seller, the vehicle transfer of ownership has been initiated.
• Vehicle ownership will not be reinstated.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• The abandoned law requires the Secretary of State to send a notice of abandonment to owners and secured parties of record as kept by the Secretary of State (vehicles or vessels titled or registered in Michigan only).
• Visit Michigan Department of State e-Services to locate the vehicle.
• Contact the Abandoned Vehicle Help Desk at 517-636-5234 for further assistance.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• Michigan law (MCL 257.252a or, 81151, or 2014 PA 549) presumes that the last owner of record as kept by the Secretary of State of a vehicle is responsible for abandoning a vehicle unless the person provides a record of sale or transfer.
• Michigan law (80130f 2014 PA 549) presumes that the last titled owner, if there is no titled owner the last registered owner of a vessel, is responsible for abandoning a vessel unless the person provides a record of the transfer of the vessel to another person.
• A violation for abandoning a vehicle or vessel may result in a civil infraction and subject the owner to a civil fine of $50 plus costs, state assessments, and other statutory penalties.
• The Secretary of State mails the Notice of Abandoned Vehicle/Vessel form (TR-52E) to the Michigan vehicle owner and any secured party on record.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• A custodian is a business or legal entity responsible for the towing and storage of an abandoned or vessel (towing agency).
• The custodian ensures the abandoned vehicles are properly managed and disposed of according to local laws and regulations.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• If you determine that your vehicle may have wrongfully been declared abandoned, contact local law enforcement.
• To dispute towing and storage fees, a petition for hearing may be filed with the court having jurisdiction over the location from which the vehicle or vessel was removed. Either mail or visit the court in person within 20 days from the date of the notice sent by the Secretary of State.
• The abandoned vehicle notice includes a petition requesting a hearing with the court.
• Courts charge a filing fee equal to $40 plus the accrued towing and storage fees, which must be paid when filing the petition.
• Before the court hearing, you may obtain release of your vehicle or vessel by posting a bond with the court equal to $40 plus the accrued towing and storage fees.
• If you do not obtain release of the vehicle or vessel, storage charges may continue to accrue.
• If you do not request a hearing, you may redeem your vehicle or vessel by paying the towing, storage and abandoned fees to the vehicle or vessel's custodian.
• Contact the Abandoned Vehicle Help Desk at 517-636-5234 for further assistance.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• The failure to redeem the vehicle or to request a court hearing within 20 days after the date of the notice may result in the sale of the vehicle and the termination of all rights of the owner and the secured party to the vehicle or the proceeds of the sale.
• Visit the Michigan Legislature website MCL - Section 257.252a - Michigan Legislature for details.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• Contact the custodian (tow agency) to ask if you can designate an individual, in writing, to act on your behalf to redeem your vehicle or vessel. Only the custodian can authorize if a designee will be allowed in your absence.
• The abandoned vehicle or vessel may be sold at public auction and all rights to the vehicle may be lost.
• Fines and penalties may apply.
• Consult an attorney for legal advice.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique number assigned to a motor vehicle or a recreational vehicle. The VIN has 17 characters.
• The HIN (Hull Identification Number) is a unique number assigned to a vessel (watercraft).
• A serial number is a unique number assigned to a snowmobile.
• The VIN, HIN or serial number will be on the vehicle or vessel.
• The VIN, HIN, or serial number can be found on the vehicle or vessel's title, registration, or certificate of insurance.
• The information may also be located on other documents such as your purchase records or warranty information.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

A vehicle or vessel may be considered abandoned when it is:

• A vehicle or vessel on private property without the consent of the owner. 
• A vehicle or vessel that has remained on public property for not less than 48 hours.
• A vehicle that has remained on a state trunk line for not less than 18 hours if a valid registration plate is affixed to the vehicle.
• A vehicle that has remained on a state trunk line if a valid registration plate is not affixed to the vehicle.
• A vessel that has remained on a state trunk line and is not on a motor vehicle or trailer and is not under the immediate custody of the owner.
• A vessel on a motor vehicle or trailer if the motor vehicle or trailer displays a valid registration plate and has been on a state trunk line for no less than 18 hours and is not under the immediate custody of the owner.

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

• If the vehicle or vessel is in such a condition that the operation of it will constitute an immediate hazard to the public.
• If the vehicle or vessel is parked or idling on the highway so that it creates an immediate public hazard or an obstruction of traffic.
• If the vehicle or vessel is parked in a posted tow-away zone.
• Removal of a vehicle or vessel is necessary if it is a threat to public safety because its presence impedes rescue efforts during fire, flood, storm, snow, natural or man-made disaster, or other emergency.
• If the vehicle or vessel is hampering the use of private property by the owner or person in charge of that property or is parked in a manner that impedes the movement of another vehicle or vessel.
• If the vehicle or vessel is illegally stopped, idling, or parked in a designated disability parking space.
• If the vehicle or vessel is located in a clearly identified access aisle or access lane immediately adjacent to a disability parking space.
• If the vehicle or vessel is interfering with the use of a ramp or a curb-cut by people with disabilities.
• If the vessel is submerged in, partially submerged in, or floating unanchored or untethered upon a public waterway.

A vehicle or vessel 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:

• If the vehicle or vessel is believed to be stolen.
• If the vehicle or vessel is seized to preserve evidence of a crime.
• If the vehicle or vessel is involved in a crash. 

Visit the Michigan Legislature website MCL - Section 257.252d for details.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

• The new vehicle owner, dealership or charity did not transfer the title into their name.
• Keep and maintain record retention for the vehicle.
• No action is required.
• Visit the Michigan Legislature website MCL - Section 257.252a - Michigan Legislature for details.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.

If you were in an accident and don't believe your vehicle was abandoned:

A vehicle can be considered abandoned if it was involved in a crash and not redeemed by the owner within 20 days after it was released by law enforcement.

Please note: Vehicle includes motor vehicles, ORVs, and snowmobiles. Vessel includes watercraft.