Omar Bennett
In Maryland, a vehicle is considered abandoned when it has remained on public or private property for more than 48 hours or in a garage for over 10 days. The process for reporting and removing an abandoned vehicle differs depending on whether it is on public or private property. If a vehicle is abandoned on private property, the property owner must first file a report with the authorities and cannot remove the vehicle independently. On the other hand, if a vehicle is abandoned on a private community road or parking lot, the complaint must be reported to the homeowners association (HOA) or property management company, who will then work with the Vehicle Recovery Section.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time on public or private property | More than 48 hours |
| Time in a garage | More than 10 days |
| Response time to address a complaint | Up to two weeks |
| Complaint not addressed | Contact Vehicle Recovery Section supervisor |
| Vehicles not accepted by Vehicle Recovery Section | Recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, and other specialty vehicles |
| Permission to park | Only residents or customers |
| Report abandonment | File a report with the authorities |
| Report form requirements | Car model, make, color, year, and owner information |
| Waiting period after notice | Two days |
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What You'll Learn
Reporting abandoned vehicles
In Maryland, an abandoned vehicle is one that has been left unattended for more than 48 hours, has expired or no registration plates, or is wrecked or dismantled (rendering it inoperable). If you believe a vehicle has been abandoned, you can report it to the relevant local or county authorities. The process may vary depending on the specific location and circumstances, but here are some general guidelines for reporting abandoned vehicles in Maryland:
- Identify the location: Note whether the abandoned vehicle is on public or private property. In Montgomery County, for example, residents concerned about an abandoned vehicle on a private community road or parking lot should first report it to the applicable homeowners' association (HOA) or property management company. They will then work directly with the Vehicle Recovery Section.
- Observe vehicle characteristics: Look for signs that indicate abandonment, such as no tags, expired tags, flat tires, or extensive damage. These details will be helpful when reporting the vehicle.
- Contact the appropriate authority: Depending on your location in Maryland, you may need to contact different departments or sections. For instance, in Montgomery County, you can contact the Vehicle Recovery Section directly or reach out to the supervisor if your initial complaint has not been addressed within two weeks. In Prince George's County, you can report an abandoned vehicle by calling PGC 311 (301-883-4748), submitting an online report, or sending an email.
- Provide detailed information: When reporting an abandoned vehicle, be prepared to give the location, description of the vehicle (including any identifying characteristics or damage), and any other relevant information.
- Understand towing procedures: In some cases, you may need to follow specific procedures for towing abandoned vehicles. For instance, in Montgomery County, the Vehicle Recovery Section requires a properly completed and approved consent form for private property tows, and they do not accept recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, or other specialty vehicles.
- Follow up if needed: If the abandoned vehicle remains unaddressed after the expected response time, don't hesitate to reach out to the relevant authority again or seek additional guidance from your local government or law enforcement agencies.
Remember that the response time to address abandoned vehicle complaints may vary, and it could take up to two weeks or more in some cases. Each county or local authority may have its own procedures, so it is essential to refer to the official websites or contact the relevant departments directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Private property tows
In Maryland, landlords and private property owners are permitted to tow vehicles that are illegally parked on their property. However, they must follow specific procedures and regulations to ensure they do not violate the rights of vehicle owners.
Firstly, property owners are generally required to provide notice before towing a vehicle. This can be done by posting signs that meet specific requirements. The signs should state that Maryland law requires the vehicle to be available for recovery 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provide information on the maximum towing charge and a contact telephone number for vehicle reclamation. Additionally, property owners must ensure there is at least one sign for every 7,500 square feet of parking space. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a case being made for illegal towing.
When it comes to towing and removal fees, there are regulations in place to protect vehicle owners from excessive charges. While the specific fees may vary depending on local regulations, there are maximum limits in place. For instance, the towing party may not charge more than twice the standard fee for public safety impound towing. If there is no established fee limit by the political subdivision, the maximum charge for towing and recovering a vehicle is set at $250, with an additional $30 per day for vehicle storage. It is important to note that if the vehicle owner or their representative retrieves the vehicle within 48 hours of it being received at the storage facility, no storage fees can be charged.
In the context of abandoned vehicles, the state of Maryland has specific guidelines. If an abandoned or impounded vehicle remains unclaimed, the owner is considered to have waived all rights, interest, and title to the vehicle after a certain period. Outside of Baltimore City, this period is three weeks, while in Baltimore City, owners have only 11 days before their rights are waived. Once this designated time elapses, the police may sell the vehicle at a public auction, with the proceeds used to cover transportation and storage fees. Any remaining profits can be claimed by the former owner within 90 days, after which the funds revert to the state treasury.
It is important to be aware that towing regulations can vary across counties, cities, and towns in Maryland. While state regulations outline the general framework, local laws and ordinances may have specific requirements and procedures. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to local law enforcement agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding private property tows and vehicle abandonment in a particular jurisdiction.
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Special provisions for vehicles abandoned in garages
In Maryland, a vehicle is considered abandoned if it has remained on public or private property for more than 48 hours or in a garage for over 10 days. If a vehicle is abandoned in a garage, the police department may take it into custody and sell it, unless it is reclaimed by the owner.
Any proceeds from the sale of the vehicle will first be applied to the garage keeper's charges for servicing, storage, or repair. If there are any surplus proceeds, they will be distributed in accordance with the relevant state code. It is important to note that these laws may not reflect the most current legislation, and it is always advisable to refer to official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The specific provisions for vehicles abandoned in garages in Maryland include the authority of the police department to take custody of the abandoned vehicle. If the vehicle remains unclaimed by the owner or secured party, the police can initiate the process of selling it. However, before the sale, the garage keeper's charges for servicing, storage, or repair take priority. This ensures that the garage owner or business is compensated for any services or storage provided to the vehicle during its abandonment.
In the event that the sale of the abandoned vehicle results in proceeds exceeding the garage keeper's charges, the distribution of the surplus funds is governed by state law. The surplus proceeds are not simply retained by the police department or garage keeper but are distributed according to the specified procedures. This aspect of the law ensures fairness and transparency in handling the financial aspects of abandoned vehicles.
It is important to recognize that the laws and procedures outlined may have been updated or modified since the last revision of the Maryland Statutes. While the information provided offers insight into the special provisions for vehicles abandoned in garages, consulting official and current sources is essential for accurate and reliable information. These sources include the Maryland State Legislature, Department of Transportation, or local law enforcement agencies that can provide the most up-to-date guidelines and regulations regarding abandoned vehicles.
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Disposition of vehicles
In Maryland, the disposition of abandoned vehicles falls under the purview of state and local authorities, as outlined in the Maryland Vehicle Laws. The process involves several steps to ensure the proper handling of these vehicles, which may include cars, trailers, or semi-trailers.
When a vehicle is left unattended for more than 48 hours on public or private property, or in a garage for over 10 days, it is considered abandoned. The Abandoned Vehicle Unit of the Revenue Authority in Prince George's County is responsible for identifying and removing such vehicles. They work in conjunction with authorised county agencies to facilitate the removal of abandoned vehicles from roads and address parking violation complaints.
The removal process involves towing the abandoned vehicle at the expense of the last known registered owner. A duly licensed towing company authorised by the respective county undertakes this task. This step ensures that the abandoned vehicle is removed from public view and no longer poses a potential hazard or obstruction.
Once the vehicle is towed and stored, the relevant authorities determine its disposition. The options for disposition are outlined in the Maryland Code, with specific sections dedicated to this process. One option is to transfer the vehicle to a dismantler and recycler or scrap processor. This involves either a direct transfer or a transfer under an indemnity agreement, depending on the specific circumstances and condition of the vehicle.
It is important to note that the laws and procedures regarding the disposition of abandoned vehicles may evolve, and it is always advisable to refer to the most current official sources for the latest regulations in Maryland. The information provided here offers a foundational understanding of the process, but residents should consult the relevant county and state websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Penalties for abandonment
In Maryland, abandoning a vehicle is a misdemeanor, and a person convicted of this crime may face a fine of up to $25, imprisonment for up to 10 days, or both. Each day the violation continues constitutes a separate offense.
The definition of an abandoned vehicle includes vehicles that are partially dismantled, non-operating, wrecked, junked, unregistered, bearing expired, suspended, or no registration plates, or bearing registration plates issued to another vehicle.
If an abandoned vehicle is not claimed by its owner within the specified time frame (11 working days in Baltimore City and Montgomery County, and 3 weeks in other areas of Maryland), the owner forfeits all rights and interests in the vehicle. The vehicle is then typically sold at a public auction, and the proceeds are used to reimburse the police department or its agent for any costs incurred in towing, preserving, and storing the vehicle. If the sale proceeds are insufficient to cover these costs, the owner becomes liable for the remaining amount.
It is important to note that these laws may not be current, and there may be additional or amended provisions in Maryland's vehicle codes.
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Frequently asked questions
To report an abandoned vehicle on private property in Maryland, the property owner must first file a report with the authorities or the city police department. The report form will require information about the vehicle, such as its model, make, colour, and year, as well as any known information about the owner.
Law enforcement will confirm the information in the report and attempt to contact the owner of the vehicle to notify them of the possibility of towing. The owner will then have a chance to pick up their vehicle before it is towed. There is normally a waiting period of at least two days after notice is given.
If the vehicle owner does not comply with the notice of law enforcement and leaves the vehicle on private property after the waiting period, the Maryland agency that took the report will arrange for the vehicle to be towed. The vehicle owner may be subject to a fine not exceeding $25 or imprisonment not exceeding 10 days, with each day of continued violation constituting a separate offense.
