Colorado Abandoned & Inoperable Vehicle Laws — 2025 Guide

Colorado's Definition of Abandoned Vehicle

Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1802 defines an abandoned vehicle as one left unattended on a highway or public property in a condition that makes it appear the owner has relinquished any claim to it, or left on private property without the owner's consent. Specific indicators include:

• Left in the same spot on a public street for more than 72 hours
• Parked on a highway for more than 24 hours and appearing disabled
• Missing license plates, inoperable, or visibly dismantled
• Left on private property without owner consent for more than 24 hours (though removal process requires additional steps)

72-Hour Rule on Colorado Public Streets

Across Colorado, law enforcement has authority to tag and tow vehicles left on public streets for more than 72 hours. The process:

1. Report to local police or code enforcement

   Call your city's non-emergency police line or 311 system. Denver residents can report via denvergov.org/311. Boulder uses myBoulder.com. Provide plate, make, model, color, and exact location.

2. Vehicle tagged with 72-hour notice

   An officer or parking enforcement agent marks the tires and places a removal notice on the vehicle. The 72-hour clock is formally established.

3. Tow authorized after 72 hours

   If the vehicle remains unreclaimed after 72 hours, it is towed to an authorized storage facility. The registered owner is notified through DMV records.

City-by-City Inoperable Vehicle Storage Rules in Colorado

This is where Colorado becomes highly specific — and where most people get tripped up. The rules vary dramatically by municipality. Here is a detailed breakdown of the front range cities:

Denver

• Inoperable vehicles in residential zones: must be in fully enclosed garage only
• No driveway storage permitted — even under a tarp or car cover
• Violations can result in code enforcement action and fines
• Report violations: Denver 311 at (720) 913-1311 or denvergov.org/311

Lakewood

Lakewood takes a more measured approach. Under Lakewood's municipal code:

• Up to two unlicensed or inoperable vehicles are allowed on residential property
• Must be parked on a hard surface (concrete, asphalt, or gravel pad) in the side or rear yard — not the front yard
• Must be screened from public view by a solid fence or fitted opaque car cover
• Cannot be visible from the street or neighboring properties
• Report violations: Lakewood Code Enforcement at (303) 987-7150

Englewood

Englewood prohibits front yard and driveway storage of inoperable vehicles, but is more permissive for rear and side yards:

• Inoperable vehicles cannot be stored in the front yard, including carports and driveways
• Allowed in an enclosed garage, or in a rear or side yard if: not on a grass surface, and out of view of neighbors and the public
• Report violations: Englewood Community Development at (303) 762-2342

Commerce City

Commerce City has strict rules similar to Denver:

• Unlicensed, inoperable, or vehicles with expired plates must be stored in a fully enclosed structure
• Tarps and temporary carport structures are not considered "enclosed structures" under Commerce City code
• Report violations: Commerce City Code Enforcement at (303) 289-3639

Littleton

Littleton has more flexibility than Denver but still has requirements:

• Inoperable vehicles can be stored in a fully enclosed structure or a carport
• If stored in a carport, the vehicle must be completely covered with a canvas or other opaque covering
• Report violations: Littleton Code Enforcement at (303) 795-3729

Aurora

Aurora follows a middle-ground approach:

• Inoperable vehicles must be kept in an enclosed structure or screened from public view
• Vehicles without current registration cannot be stored in front yards or in plain view from public streets
• Report violations: Aurora Code Enforcement at (303) 739-7200

Removing an Abandoned Vehicle from Private Property in Colorado

1. Document the vehicle

   Take dated photos of the vehicle from multiple angles. Note the plate number, VIN if visible, and the date it first appeared on your property.

2. Contact local police or code enforcement

   In Colorado, contact your local police department to report the abandoned vehicle on your property. The officer can run the plate and attempt owner contact. Some municipalities require you to go through code enforcement rather than police for private property cases.

3. Wait the statutory period after notice

   After the registered owner is notified, they have a set period to retrieve the vehicle. This varies by municipality but is typically 5–30 days.

4. Arrange licensed removal

   After the notice period, work with a licensed Colorado tow company to remove the vehicle. Keep all documentation from the police or code enforcement process.

Claiming Title to an Abandoned Vehicle in Colorado

Colorado's abandoned vehicle title process goes through the county courts. There is no simple online program like Virginia's AVP.

• File a police report establishing the vehicle has been abandoned on your property
• Apply through your county court for an abandoned vehicle title (CRS § 42-6-141 covers title transfer for abandoned vehicles)
• The court requires evidence of proper notice to the registered owner
• After court order, apply to Colorado DMV for title transfer
• For vehicles undergoing restoration or repair, Colorado's HB 22-1388 decal system applies — contact Colorado DMV at (303) 205-5600

Colorado Contacts and Resources

Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado