Oregon's most important distinction: Like Pennsylvania's salvor system, Oregon requires that abandoned vehicle towing be done by ODOT-certified tow companies under ORS 819.100. Not all Oregon tow companies are ODOT-certified. Verify certification before authorizing any abandoned vehicle removal.
Oregon's ODOT-Certified Tow Requirement
Oregon Revised Statutes 819.100 establishes that vehicles removed from public roads as abandoned must be towed by companies under contract with ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation) or otherwise certified under the ODOT program. This certification requires background checks, equipment standards, and storage facility requirements beyond a standard towing license.
To find ODOT-certified tow companies in your area: contact ODOT's Region office for your area, or ask any tow company directly "Are you ODOT-certified for abandoned vehicle towing under ORS 819.100?" before authorizing removal.
Highway vs. Other Road Rules
- State highways and freeways: 24-hour limit, strictly enforced by ODOT and Oregon State Police
- City streets and local roads: Varies by jurisdiction — most Oregon cities use 72 hours but check your city's code
- Private property: No time trigger per se — any unauthorized vehicle can be addressed through the notice process
Private Property Removal
Document the vehicle, contact local police to file a report, wait 30 days after certified notification, then arrange removal through an ODOT-certified tow company. Oregon requires the tow operator notify ODOT within 24 hours of removal (ORS 819.160).
Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend Contacts
| City | Contact |
|---|---|
| Portland | (503) 823-5195 · portland.gov/transportation · Portland 311 app |
| Salem | (503) 588-6123 · cityofsalem.net |
| Eugene | (541) 682-5111 · eugene-or.gov |
| Bend | (541) 693-6911 · bendoregon.gov |
| Hillsboro | (503) 681-6100 · hillsboro-oregon.gov |
| ODOT Region 1 (Portland area) | (503) 731-8200 · oregon.gov/odot |
ORS 819.160 Title Claim Process
Oregon abandoned vehicle title claims are governed by ORS 819.160. The ODOT-certified tow company that takes possession of the vehicle is required to notify ODOT and the registered owner. After the notice period, ODOT processes the title transfer. As a property owner, your role is to initiate the police report and authorize the ODOT-certified tow — the operator and ODOT handle the subsequent title process. If you want to claim the vehicle yourself, attend the lien sale the operator holds after the notice period and bid on it there.
ORS 819.100 created the ODOT certification requirement to ensure that tow companies handling legally sensitive abandoned vehicle situations meet minimum standards for storage security, environmental compliance (preventing fluid spills during tow), proper notification procedures, and record-keeping. Oregon's legislature decided that the legal weight of taking custody of someone else's vehicle — and potentially selling it — required a higher level of accountability than a standard towing license provides. It's similar reasoning to Pennsylvania's salvor system, though Oregon's certification is administered by ODOT rather than through a separate license class.