The time you must wait before reporting an abandoned car varies significantly by location, but a common timeframe is 30 days on public streets. However, many cities have ordinances that allow reporting a vehicle after just 72 hours (3 days) if it appears derelict. The core determining factors are whether the car is on public property (like a street) versus private property (like a shopping center lot), and the specific local laws of your city or county.
Key Steps to Take:
- Identify the Jurisdiction: Is the car on a city street, county road, or private property? This determines which agency to contact.
- Gather Information: Note the vehicle's license plate number, VIN (if visible), make, model, color, and the exact location.
- Contact the Correct Authority: For public roads, call your local police department's non-emergency line or use their online reporting system. For private property, the property owner or manager is responsible for reporting it.
- Be Patient: After reporting, the authorities will typically place a notice on the vehicle, starting a countdown (often 72 hours to 30 days) before they can legally tow it.
| Jurisdiction Type | Typical Reporting Timeframe | Responsible Authority | Key Considerations |
|---|
| Major City (e.g., Los Angeles, CA) | 72 hours | City Police Department / Department of Transportation | Vehicles must be visibly inoperable (flat tires, missing parts) or have expired registration exceeding 6 months. |
| Suburban Municipality | 5-7 days | Local Police Non-Emergency Line | Often stricter on vehicles with expired tags or those blocking trash collection. |
| Unincorporated County Area | 30 days | County Sheriff's Office | Response times may be longer; evidence the car hasn't moved is critical. |
| Private Property (e.g., Apartment Complex) | Varies (often 24-48 hours) | Property Owner / Manager | The property owner must report it to police or a towing company authorized for the property. |
| State Highway / Interstate | 48 hours | State Highway Patrol | Reported for immediate safety hazards; towed quickly. |
The process is not instant. Authorities need to confirm the vehicle is truly abandoned, not just parked legally by a resident or someone on vacation. Providing detailed information when you report it can significantly speed up the official response.
