Colorado defines and regulates abandoned vehicles under a uniform statewide statute that controls tow authorization, owner notice, auction procedures, and lien recovery for towing operators.
CRS 42-4-1801 through 42-4-1809 establish when a vehicle is abandoned on public property, private property, or roadways. Law enforcement or property owners may authorize a tow after statutory waiting periods. Operators must report tows to the Department of Revenue, send certified mail notice to registered owners and lienholders, and may sell unredeemed vehicles at public auction. Owners can reclaim by paying towing, storage, and administrative fees. Local rules may add posting requirements but cannot shorten state notice periods.
Improper tows, missed notices, or premature sales expose operators to civil liability for conversion and statutory damages payable to vehicle owners.
See how Douglas County's abandoned vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
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