what happens to abandoned cars

[LeJosephine]

Abandoned cars are typically impounded by local authorities after being reported. If unclaimed after a specific period, they are auctioned off, sold for scrap, or crushed. The exact process varies by city and state, but it generally involves a series of steps to identify the vehicle, attempt to contact the owner, and ultimately dispose of it. The journey from curbside eyesore to final disposal is a structured, though often lengthy, legal and logistical procedure.

The process begins when a vehicle is reported as abandoned. This is often based on specific criteria, like being unmoved for a set number of days (e.g., 72 hours in many jurisdictions), missing license plates, or being visibly inoperable. Once tagged, a government agency, usually the police department or public works, will tow it to an impound lot.

There, officials run the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to identify the last registered owner. A notice is sent, giving the owner a chance to reclaim the car by paying outstanding fines and towing/storage fees. This redemption period is mandated by law and can range from a few weeks to several months. If the owner is found but doesn't claim the car, or if the search comes up empty, the vehicle is declared abandoned.

The final disposal method depends on the car's condition. Vehicles with value are sold at public auction. Those that are unsellable are typically sold en masse to scrap metal processors or auto dismantlers, where they are stripped for usable parts before the remaining hulk is crushed and recycled.

Stage of Process	Typical Duration	Key Action	Potential Outcome
Reporting & Tagging	3-7 days	Vehicle is identified and marked for violation.	Towing to impound lot.
Impound & Notification	15-45 days	Authorities attempt to contact registered owner.	Owner redemption or declaration of abandonment.
Auction Listing	10-30 days	Sellable vehicles are listed for public bid.	Vehicle sold to new owner.
Scrap/Recycling	N/A	Unclaimed vehicles are sold for parts/scrap.	Crushing and metal recycling.

[ElizabethRose]

If you see one, report it to your local non-emergency police line or public works department. They'll tag it and eventually tow it away. The owner gets a chance to claim it, but if they don't, it gets auctioned or scrapped. It's a slow process, but it usually ends with the car being turned into soda cans or maybe getting a second life with a new owner. Just don't try to claim it yourself; that's a legal nightmare.