Claiming Abandoned Vehicles: Legalities and Procedures
Dealing with an abandoned vehicle on your property can be an issue of legal complexity, with rules varying significantly by state. If you find a car has been left in your property, you're faced with a set of options and legal considerations, from calling the police to potentially claiming ownership. This article outlines the steps you can take to handle this situation legally and ethically.
Steps to Take If You Find an Abandoned Vehicle on Your Property
If you find a car or other vehicle on your property and suspect it’s abandoned, there are specific steps you can take to address the situation. Below are the most common options you have:
1. Call the Local Police
The first and most crucial step is to contact your local police department. They have the authority to tag and tow away any abandoned vehicles. Once the police have taken action, you can inquire about the details of the towing and the auction process that follows.
2. Check State Laws for Lien Procedures
Depending on your state, there may be specific laws and procedures for attaching a lien on an abandoned vehicle. You can visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to inquire about these steps. This might involve securing the vehicle and following a legal process to claim it. Keep in mind that there's a chance the vehicle belongs to someone, and they won’t simply let go of it without a fight.
3. Street Parking Regulations
If the vehicle is parked on the street, it might not be considered abandoned unless it’s been there for an extended period with up-to-date registration. However, most communities have laws against leaving vehicles parked for more than 48 hours, which could result in the car being towed and auctioned. By contacting the local authorities, the car may be impounded and sold to the highest bidder.
4. Contacting the Car's Previous Owner
To verify the history of the vehicle, you can obtain the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the left front corner of the dashboard. With this information, you can contact your local DMV to see if the car is registered to any active owner. The local police can run a VIN check to locate the original owner. If the vehicle has a dark history, it might be impounded for possible legal issues.
Note on Claiming Abandoned Property
Abandoned assets, including vehicles, come with significant legal and practical challenges. It's essential to understand that claiming an abandoned asset is rarely straightforward. The car could be involved in a crime or still belong to someone with legal claim to it. If you have knowledge of the owner, you can purchase it 'as is, where is,’ but otherwise, it’s more practical to scrap vehicles on public land or let the government handle the disposal.
Claiming Abandoned Vehicles on Your Property
If the vehicle is on your property, you might think you can claim it as your property. However, the legalities here can vary greatly by jurisdiction. In Nebraska, abandoned vehicles become the property of the police and are auctioned off. In some states, it's possible to claim abandoned property by following the correct procedures, but other states expressly prohibit property owners from getting titles to abandoned cars.
One strategy to potentially claim a vehicle is to have a towing service move the vehicle to your property and then follow the legal process. However, if you're caught, it can lead to fraud charges. Always consult the local law to ensure you're following the correct procedures.
Alternatives to Claiming an Abandoned Vehicle
If you don’t want to claim an abandoned vehicle, you still have options. City authorities often handle confiscated vehicles, including abandoned cars and seized property from drug busts. Many cities hold public auctions for these items, and you might be able to acquire the vehicle for next to nothing. It’s advisable to check with the city’s impound and auction department to see if the car is available for this process.
Understanding the laws and procedures for handling abandoned vehicles is crucial to avoiding legal troubles and ensuring you act within the law. Always consult relevant local authorities and legal resources when dealing with such situations.