What is an abandoned vehicle?
A vehicle can be deemed abandoned if:
1. It is located on public property illegally.
2. Has not been moved for three (3) days (if on public property).
3. Constitutes a hazard or obstruction to the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
4. It is located on private property without the consent of the owner (or person in control of the property) for more than forty-eight (48) hours.
5. The engine, transmission or differential has been removed or that is otherwise partially dismantled or inoperable and left on public properties.
6. If at least three (3) model years old, is mechanically inoperable and is left on private property (visible from public property) for more than twenty (20) continuous days.
7. Located on public property without a valid license plate.
What is the abandoned vehicle complaint procedure?
Departmental Violations Procedures
- The Neighborhood Services & Enforcement inspector verifies that the vehicle is considered abandoned according to Indiana State Law.
- Vehicles on public property are issued a red tag and can be towed after three days.
- If the vehicle owner has not complied within 72 hours and it has been red tagged, we are authorized to tow it.
- Vehicles on private property are issued a yellow tag advising the owner that the vehicle must be proven operable or removed within 20 days.
- If it has been yellow tagged for 20 days being on private property, we can then red tag it and after 3 days, we are authorized to tow it.
- If the property owner or agent signs an abandoned vehicle removal waiver, the yellow tag process can be eliminated and we can put a red tag on the vehicle. Waiver can be found here.
- Vehicle is towed by a contracted towing agent.