Colonie, NY Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

New York's statewide abandoned-vehicle framework is at NY Vehicle and Traffic Law §1224 (codified at law.justia.com and nysenate.gov). Under §1224, the local authority entitled to custody of an abandoned vehicle is the town in which the vehicle was abandoned (or the city or village if applicable). The last owner is liable to the local authority for removal and storage costs, and any person claiming the vehicle must pay those costs. The local authority must notify the last owner that the vehicle has been recovered and that if unclaimed it will be sold at public auction or by bid after ten days; ownership vests in the local authority ten days from the notice or when notice of inability to identify the owner is received. The Town of Colonie's Chapter 181 Article IV (Removal and Storage of Vehicles - § 181-40 et seq.) provides local procedures: Town police or the Highway Superintendent may remove vehicles parked, abandoned, obstructing traffic, or interfering with Town operations during an emergency. Storing junked, wrecked or unlicensed vehicles outside an enclosed building on residential property may separately violate Chapter 190 (Zoning and Land Use) Article V use regulations and Article VIII (General Regulations) of the zoning code.