You can report a vehicle abandoned on public property.
Public property includes:
- Streets
- Sidewalks
- Highway embankments
- Public alleys
Common driveways are not considered public property.
How the report is handled depends on whether or not the vehicle still has license plates.
With License Plates
You can report an abandoned vehicle with at least one fixed metal license plate or in-transit paper registration plate if that vehicle has been left on public property for at least 48 hours.
Officers from your local police precinct will respond when they are not handling emergency situations. The vehicle's owner will be responsible for all towing and storage fees.
Without License Plates
You can report a vehicle without license plates abandoned on a City street or sidewalk.
If the abandoned vehicle meets the criteria to be classified as a derelict (i.e. junk) the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will investigate and tag the vehicle. Once an abandoned derelict vehicle is tagged, it will be removed within three business days.
If the abandoned vehicle does not meet the criteria to be classified as derelict, DSNY will tag the vehicle and refer it to your local police precinct for handling similar to a vehicle with license plates.
Checking the Status of a Past Complaint
If you already reported an abandoned vehicle without plates and it has been at least 5 business days, you can contact DSNY to check the status of your complaint.
