Report an abandoned vehicle

If you suspect a vehicle has been abandoned, please check to see if it has road tax and valid MOT by entering the registration number and make of vehicle on gov.uk

Check if a vehicle is taxed and has MOT - gov.uk

Important

If the vehicle has road tax, MOT and there are no parking restrictions where it is parked on the public highway, we probably won't be able to treat it as an abandoned vehicle.

What is an abandoned vehicle?

We consider several issues to decide whether or not the vehicle can be classed as abandoned and it is likely that at least some of the following will apply:

• has no registered keeper on the DVLA's database and or is untaxed, without MOT or subject of a Statutory Off Road Notice
• has been stationary for a significant amount of time 
• is burnt out
• is significantly damaged, run down, hazardous or unroadworthy, for example, has flat tyres, missing wheels and or broken windows or other hazards
• number plates are missing

How to report an abandoned vehicle

What happens after you report an abandoned vehicle to us

• We will try to contact the owner/registered keeper, if known
• We may leave a notice on the vehicle, warning it will be removed if no one claims it
• In certain circumstances, we may remove it without notice
• Vehicles removed will either be stored for a short time before being sold and destroyed, or some vehicles may go straight for destruction (if found in a poor state of repair, burnt out, no keeper etc)
• Owners/Keepers of abandoned vehicles will be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice and will be liable for all costs incurred in removal, storage, etc.