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What Virginia Law Considers an "Abandoned" Vehicle
Under Virginia Code § 46.2-1200, a vehicle is considered abandoned when left on public property without apparent intent to reclaim it, or left on private property without the owner's permission. Virginia's definition covers several conditions:
- Left on a highway or public property for more than 10 days
- Left on private property without the owner's consent for 24 to 48 hours (locality-dependent)
- Inoperable or missing essential components — engine, wheels, transmission
- Missing valid license plates or registration
- Left at a tow/storage facility for more than 5 days without owner attempting reclaim
Virginia's key advantage: Unlike most states where you must rely entirely on police for removal, Virginia property owners can directly initiate the removal process online through the DMV's Abandoned Vehicle Program — for just $40. The DMV handles owner notification automatically.
Car on a Public Street or Highway
If a vehicle is parked on a public road in Virginia and shows signs of abandonment, law enforcement has authority to remove it after the 10-day period.
Report to local police
Call your city or county police non-emergency line, or use your jurisdiction's online 311 system. Provide make, model, color, license plate, and exact location. Major Virginia reporting contacts are in the table below.
Officer posts notice
A police officer places an official notice on the vehicle, starting the 10-day clock. The officer also attempts to identify the owner through DMV records.
10-day wait
The vehicle must remain tagged and unreclaimed for 10 days. If the owner moves the vehicle, the clock resets.
Authorized tow
After 10 days, the vehicle is towed to an authorized facility. The owner then has a further period to reclaim it by paying towing and storage fees before it is auctioned or disposed of.
Removing a Car from Your Private Property
If someone left a vehicle on your land without permission, Virginia law gives you the right to have it removed — but you must follow the legal process to avoid liability.
Document everything immediately
Photograph the vehicle from multiple angles. Record the date, time, license plate, make, model, and exact location on your property. This protects you if the owner later disputes the removal.
Attempt owner identification
Check with neighbors. Use the AVP (below) to initiate an owner lookup through the DMV. Do not touch, move, or access the vehicle yourself.
Use the AVP or contact police
Either use the online AVP system at dmv.virginia.gov, or contact your local police to file an abandoned vehicle report. The AVP is generally faster for private property situations.
Wait for statutory response period
After the DMV sends its certified letter to the owner, the owner has a set period to respond. If no response, you may proceed.
Arrange licensed removal
Contact a Virginia-licensed tow company. Keep all AVP or police report documentation — you need it to demonstrate legal compliance.
Virginia's Abandoned Vehicle Program (AVP)
Virginia's AVP is one of the most streamlined abandoned vehicle systems in the United States. Property owners can directly initiate a record request and owner notification online — without waiting for police to act.
Website: dmv.virginia.gov — search "Abandoned Vehicle Program"
Fee: $40 per vehicle (non-refundable)
Who can use it: Property owners, authorized agents, businesses with abandoned vehicles on their premises. Note: mechanic's lien vehicles are not eligible — see below.
Submit an AVP record request at dmv.virginia.gov
Enter the vehicle's plate number and/or VIN, your contact information as property owner, and pay the $40 fee. The process is fully online.
DMV searches its records
The DMV automatically searches its database to identify the registered owner and any lienholders. This step requires no additional action from you.
DMV sends certified letter
If a Virginia owner or lienholder is found, the DMV sends a certified letter advising them to remove the vehicle from your property. You do not have to send this yourself.
Owner response period
The owner has a set period to contact you and retrieve the vehicle. If they respond and remove it, the matter is resolved.
Proceed with removal if no response
After the response period lapses without action, you can arrange removal through a licensed tow company. Keep all AVP documentation.
AVP does not apply if: you are owed money for repairs or storage (use mechanic's lien process instead), or if the vehicle lacks any identification and ownership cannot be determined. Contact VA DMV for guidance on these situations.
How to Claim Title to an Abandoned Vehicle in Virginia
If the owner does not respond to the AVP notification and the vehicle remains, you may be eligible to pursue title. Virginia has a defined pathway, but it is not automatic.
- You must have followed the proper notice process (AVP or police report)
- The registered owner and lienholders must have been notified and had opportunity to claim the vehicle
- You work with a licensed Virginia tow or salvage operator who facilitates the title claim
- Virginia DMV processes the title transfer after all statutory requirements are met
For vehicles with significant value, consult a Virginia attorney experienced in motor vehicle law. Errors in the process can void the title claim.
Inoperable Vehicle Storage in Virginia
Virginia does not have a single statewide rule on inoperable vehicle storage — this is governed locally. Common patterns across Virginia localities:
- Most Virginia cities require inoperable vehicles to be stored inside an enclosed structure (garage) or screened from public view
- Front yard or open driveway storage of a visibly inoperable vehicle is typically prohibited and can result in code enforcement action
- HOA rules in Virginia are often more restrictive than city codes — many prohibit any vehicle without current registration from being parked in visible areas
- Restoration or project vehicles may qualify for an exception in some localities — check with your county zoning office
Virginia Contacts and Resources
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| Virginia DMV — AVP Program | dmv.virginia.gov → Vehicle Services → Abandoned Vehicle Program |
| Virginia DMV Customer Contact Center | (804) 497-7100 |
| Virginia Code on Abandoned Vehicles | § 46.2-1200 through § 46.2-1218 |
| Richmond Police (non-emergency) | (804) 646-5100 |
| Virginia Beach Code Enforcement | (757) 385-4421 |
| Fairfax County Police (non-emergency) | (703) 691-2131 |
| Arlington County Police (non-emergency) | (703) 558-2222 |
| Chesterfield County Police (non-emergency) | (804) 748-1251 |
Frequently Asked Questions — Virginia
Typically 3–6 weeks from submission to resolution. The DMV must look up the owner, send certified mail, and allow the response period. Out-of-state owners or outdated addresses on file can extend this timeline.
Contact your local police department rather than using the AVP. An officer can run additional identification checks. Document the vehicle thoroughly with photos and dates regardless.
Virginia HOAs have authority to enforce parking rules on private community roads and common areas. However, HOAs generally cannot tow from an individual homeowner's private driveway without following proper notice. On common areas, HOAs can typically authorize towing after proper notice. Check your HOA's covenants and consult your community manager.
Yes. If a vehicle was left at your shop or storage facility and you are owed money, Virginia's mechanic's lien law provides a separate path to dispose of the vehicle. The AVP does not apply — use the mechanic's lien process under Virginia Code. Consult the DMV's business guidance or a Virginia attorney.
No — the $40 fee is non-refundable. However, if the owner retrieves the vehicle after the DMV's certified letter, the vehicle is removed from your property, which is the goal. You cannot bill the vehicle owner for the $40 fee under the standard AVP process.