Minnesota Statutes Chapter 168B governs abandoned vehicle definitions, impoundment, notice requirements, and disposal statewide. Local units of government must follow the procedural framework for towing, lienholder notice, and auction of abandoned motor vehicles.
Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 168B, a vehicle is abandoned if left on public property over 48 hours without proper plates, or in inoperable condition over four hours on a public street. On private property, it is abandoned if left over 30 days without consent. Authorities must send notice to registered owners and lienholders before disposal, and unclaimed vehicles may be sold at public auction or transferred to a licensed scrap recycler. Municipalities and counties must conform their abandoned vehicle ordinances to these statewide procedures, though they may set local impound fees.
Owners face towing fees, storage charges, and loss of the vehicle through auction or scrap disposal if not reclaimed within statutory notice periods.
See how Buffalo's abandoned vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
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