Abandoned Motor Vehicles

When is a vehicle considered to be abandoned?

An abandoned motor vehicle §(46.2-1200) can be defined as a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer that:

• is left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours, in violation of a state law or local ordinance, or
• has remained more than 48 hours on private property without the consent of the property 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
• is left unattended on the shoulder of a primary highway

Eligible individuals, businesses and government agencies (or their authorized agent) in possession of an abandoned vehicle can initiate a search for the vehicle's owner and/or lienholder of record by using DMV's online Abandoned Vehicle Process which complies with the statutory requirements for handling a vehicle (§ 46.2-1202).

What happens if my car breaks down and I have to leave it on the side of the highway?

If your vehicle is left unattended on the shoulder of a primary highway, the vehicle meets the definition of abandoned vehicle and may be towed at the request of the locality and either transferred directly to a demolisher, or disposed of using the Abandoned Vehicle Process (AVP). If the vehicle is entered into the AVP, the owner will be notified by certified letter that their vehicle must be reclaimed within 15 days. If the vehicle is not reclaimed, it may be auctioned, re-titled or demolished after an additional 21 days.