Massachusetts Abandoned Vehicle Removal Guide

That old car sitting on the side of the road or in your parking lot isn’t just an eyesore, it might be breaking the law. The Massachusetts abandoned vehicle removal process on public and private property is strict, and the rules change depending on where the vehicle is and who owns the land. If you don’t follow the steps correctly, you could end up facing fines or even a lawsuit.

In Massachusetts, a vehicle is typically considered abandoned after 48 hours on public property or 30 days on private property if the owner can’t be identified. The process involves notices, towing, and sometimes even auctions, but the exact steps depend on the situation.

Unclaimed vehicles may be sold at auction. Always follow local ordinances to avoid legal issues.

Is It Actually Abandoned? How Massachusetts Defines the Problem

Not every parked car is abandoned. In Massachusetts, a vehicle is legally abandoned if it’s left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours or on private property for more than 30 days without the owner’s permission. The key factor is whether the owner can be identified and notified.

If the vehicle has visible damage, missing plates, or expired registration, it’s more likely to be classified as abandoned. However, even a seemingly abandoned car might belong to someone who’s just out of town. That’s why the notice process is critical, it gives the owner a chance to move it before removal.

Public Property vs. Private Property: The Two Different Rules

The rules for removing an abandoned vehicle in Massachusetts differ sharply between public and private property. On public land, the process is faster and involves law enforcement. On private land, the property owner has more control but must follow strict notice requirements.

On Public Roads, Lots, or Right-of-Ways

Public property includes streets, highways, and government-owned lots. Here, the police have the authority to remove a vehicle if it’s been abandoned for 48 hours or more. They’ll first attempt to identify the owner through the vehicle’s registration or VIN.

If the owner can’t be found, the police can authorize towing.

If the owner is identified, they’ll receive a notice giving them 24 to 48 hours to move the vehicle before it’s towed. After towing, the owner has 10 days to reclaim it by paying towing and storage fees. If unclaimed, the vehicle may be sold at a public auction.

On Private Driveways, Parking Lots, or Land

Private property owners have the right to remove abandoned vehicles, but the process is slower. You must first post a written notice on the vehicle, giving the owner 30 days to move it. If the vehicle remains after that period, you can have it towed at the owner’s expense.

The notice must include:

• A description of the vehicle (make, model, color, license plate)
• The location where it’s parked
• The date and time the notice was posted
• A statement that the vehicle will be towed if not removed within 30 days

If the owner doesn’t respond, you can proceed with towing. However, you must use a licensed towing company, and the vehicle will be taken to a storage facility where the owner can still reclaim it by paying fees.

Step-by-Step Removal Process for Public Property

If you spot an abandoned vehicle on public property in Massachusetts, here’s how the removal process works:

Notice Requirements: What You Must Do Before Towing

Before towing an abandoned vehicle from private property in Massachusetts, you must follow the notice requirements to the letter. Skipping this step can lead to legal trouble, including lawsuits for wrongful towing.

The notice must be in writing and include:

• A clear description of the vehicle
• The exact location where the vehicle is parked
• The date and time the notice was posted
• A statement that the vehicle will be towed if not removed within 30 days
• Your contact information as the property owner

Post the notice prominently on the vehicle. If the vehicle is in a location where posting a notice isn’t possible, you can mail the notice to the owner’s last known address if you can identify them through the RMV.

What Happens After the Vehicle Is Towed?

Once a vehicle is towed in Massachusetts, the clock starts ticking for the owner to reclaim it. The towing company must hold the vehicle for at least 10 days before taking further action.

If the vehicle isn’t claimed within 10 days, the towing company can apply for a title through the Massachusetts RMV. After receiving the title, they can sell the vehicle at a public auction. Any proceeds from the sale first cover the towing and storage costs.

How to Reclaim an Abandoned Vehicle in Massachusetts

To reclaim a towed vehicle, the owner must act quickly. First, contact the local police department or the towing company to confirm where the vehicle was taken. You’ll need to provide proof of ownership and a valid driver’s license.

Next, pay all outstanding fees, which typically include towing charges and daily storage fees. If the vehicle was towed from private property, the property owner may also have placed a lien on it, which must be satisfied before release.

Costs You Should Expect (Towing, Storage, Fees)

Removing an abandoned vehicle in Massachusetts comes with costs, and they add up fast. Towing fees vary by location but generally range from $100 to $200. Storage fees accrue daily, with the state capping them at $35 per day for the first 10 days.

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

If the vehicle isn’t claimed, these costs are deducted from the auction proceeds.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Legal Trouble

One of the biggest mistakes property owners make is skipping the notice requirement. Posting a proper 30-day notice is mandatory for private property removals. Without it, you risk a wrongful towing lawsuit.

Another common error is using an unlicensed towing company. Massachusetts requires all towing operators to be licensed. Always verify the towing company’s credentials before authorizing a tow.

Local Variations: Boston, Worcester, and Other Cities

While Massachusetts has statewide laws for abandoned vehicle removal, local ordinances can add extra layers. In Boston, the police department handles abandoned vehicles on public property, and the process may move faster in high-traffic areas. Worcester and other cities may have additional rules for private property removals.

Always check with your local police department or city hall for specific requirements. Some municipalities require additional permits or have stricter timelines for removal.

When to Call the Police vs. Handling It Yourself

For vehicles on public property, always call the police first. They have the authority to verify abandonment, identify the owner, and initiate removal if needed.

On private property, you can handle the process yourself, but only after posting the required 30-day notice. If the vehicle is blocking emergency access or poses a safety hazard, contact the police immediately.

FAQs About Massachusetts Abandoned Vehicle Removal