How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota Statute 168B, a motor vehicle left on a public street, highway or public property for more than 48 hours can be presumed abandoned. A vehicle left on private property without the owner's consent, or one that is junked and inoperable, can also qualify as abandoned. Once classified, it can be impounded by a licensed towing operator working with the local authority.

What happens to an abandoned vehicle after it's towed?

It goes to an impound lot, and the impounding authority must attempt to notify the registered owner and lienholder by mail. The owner can reclaim it by paying towing and storage fees. If it is unclaimed after the statutory notice period — generally 15 days after notice, or 45 days when the owner can't be identified — the vehicle may be sold at public auction or disposed of.

Can a car be abandoned on private property in Minnesota?

Yes. A vehicle left on private property without the property owner's consent can be treated as abandoned. The property owner arranges removal through a licensed towing company, which must notify law enforcement, and the standard impound notice and reclaim process applies.

How do I report an abandoned vehicle in the north metro?

Call your city's police non-emergency line — Roseville, Maplewood, Shoreview, New Brighton and the other north-metro suburbs each handle abandoned-vehicle reports. Give the location, plate, make and how long it has sat. The city inspects, tags it, and arranges impound if it meets the abandoned-vehicle definition.

Minnesota Abandoned Vehicle Law — How Long Before It's Towed?

Short answer

Under Minnesota Statute 168B, a vehicle left on a public street or public property for more than 48 hours can be presumed abandoned — as can a junked, inoperable vehicle or one left on private property without consent. Once classified, it's impounded, the owner is notified by mail, and if unclaimed after the notice period (commonly 15 days, or 45 days when the owner can't be identified) it can be sold at auction.

What counts as "abandoned"

Minnesota's abandoned-vehicle law (Chapter 168B) covers three common situations:

When a vehicle is presumed abandoned in Minnesota
Situation	Threshold
Left on a public street, highway or public property	More than 48 hours
Junked, wrecked or inoperable and left unattended	Can qualify immediately as abandoned
On private property without the owner's consent	Property owner may have it removed

Local ordinances can add detail — some cities tag a vehicle and give a short warning window before impound — but the 48-hour public-property rule is the backbone.

What happens after it's tagged

Once a city or property owner has a vehicle declared abandoned, a licensed towing operator impounds it. The impounding authority must then make a reasonable effort to notify the registered owner and any lienholder by mail, using DMV records. The clock then starts on the reclaim window.

Reclaiming your vehicle

If your car was impounded as abandoned, you reclaim it by going to the impound lot with proof of ownership and a valid ID and paying the accrued towing and storage fees. Storage is charged per day, so claiming it quickly matters. If the vehicle isn't reclaimed within the statutory window — generally 15 days after notice, or about 45 days when the owner can't be identified — it can be sold at public auction or sent to a salvage facility. Our find-your-towed-car guide walks through tracking it down.

Not legal advice

This is general information about Minnesota Statute 168B. Exact notice periods and local procedures vary by city — confirm with the impounding authority or the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services.

Need a licensed tow or removal in the north metro?

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Frequently asked questions

How long before a car is abandoned in Minnesota?

More than 48 hours on a public street or public property; junked/inoperable vehicles can qualify sooner.

What happens if I don't claim it?

After the notice window (about 15 days, or 45 days if the owner can't be found), it can be auctioned or salvaged.

How do I report an abandoned vehicle?

Call your city's police non-emergency line with the location, plate and how long it's sat.

About this guide

Based on Minnesota Statutes Chapter 168B (abandoned motor vehicles) and common north-metro municipal procedures. General information only — verify with your city or Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services.