Abandoned vehicles

Abandoned vehicle information

• When is a vehicle or vessel considered abandoned?

  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.

• How can I claim my vehicle or vessel once it is declared abandoned?
  • 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.

• Am I going to be charged a fine?

  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.

   

• Abandoned vehicle towing and storage fees
  • 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.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• How can I have an abandoned vehicle or vessel removed from my property?
  • 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.

• Why did I receive an abandoned vehicle letter for a vehicle or vessel I sold, traded in, or donated?
  • 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.

• I was in an accident my vehicle was not abandoned?

  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.

• What is an abandoned vehicle custodian?
  • 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.