If you drive to work every day, the task becomes a routine. You pass the same shops, turn on the same streets, and see the same road signs. During these drives, you might also notice a car sitting on the same spot for days or weeks.
It’s not unusual for a car to park on the same spot every day, but a car with the same position on the same spot might also be a sign that it has been abandoned.
Abandoned Vehicles in Arizona
According to Arizona law, an abandoned vehicle “is a vehicle, trailer or semitrailer that is subject to registration and has been abandoned on public or private property, whether lost, stolen, abandoned or otherwise unclaimed.”
You can recognize the signs of an abandoned car by observing whether it’s gathering dust, has been stationary for a while, or has significant damage, like a flat tire or broken window. The presence of multiple parking tickets is also a clear indicator that the car isn’t supposed to be on that spot. In this case, you’re likely seeing an abandoned vehicle during your drive.
What Happens to Abandoned Vehicles?
Abandoned vehicles take up valuable parking space and can be an eyesore, especially in residential areas. In Arizona, vehicles left in public places for more than 10 days are considered abandoned. If you notice a vehicle stationary in one place for that long, the best thing to do is report it to local authorities. This is what happens when you do:
Vehicle Inspection
Once you have reported the abandoned vehicle to local authorities, an officer or representative will inspect the car. They will make a report describing the vehicle and stating where and when it was discovered. The report must also contain evidence that the car has been abandoned for at least 10 days, such as date-stamped photos or statements from people who can attest to the length of time the vehicle has been on that spot. The officer will place a notice on the vehicle, letting the owner know of their violation and requesting for the removal of the car.
Vehicle Removal
If the owner doesn’t remove the car within the six days, the Department of Transportation (DOT) or the local police department may authorize a towing company in Arizona to remove and impound the vehicle.
Locating the Vehicle’s Owner
During the inspection, the representative from your local DOT will use the vehicle’s license plate number and other identifications to find the car owner. They will cross-reference these pieces of information with the database of registered car owners. When the DOT locates the owner, it will notify them that their vehicle has been tagged as abandoned and has been impounded. If no owner information or license plate is found on the vehicle, the DOT will place a description of the car in the local paper and give the owner 30 days to claim it.
Retrieving the Vehicle
Owners who want to retrieve their abandoned vehicles need to contact the towing company. They may be required to pay penalties and other fees. However, if the owner doesn’t claim the vehicle within the 30 days, it may be sold at a public auction and its title transferred to the new owner.
Helping You Manage Abandoned Vehicles
Now, if the abandoned vehicle is on your property, your shop, or a car park or real estate you manage, you have the option to have the vehicle removed. Turn to Zip Tow for exceptional towing services. We provide towing services for property managers, automotive shops, parking areas and other businesses that are inconvenienced by an abandoned vehicle.
Contact us at (480) 407-6650 for your towing needs.
