Rio Rancho, NM Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Vehicle age threshold
- 8 years
- Clearance required
- Written police/NCIC clearance
- Disposal outlet
- Licensed dismantler only
- Storage yard unclaimed period
- 30 days
- Unlicensed storage fee cap
- $0.50/day
Summary
Rio Rancho lets a property owner sell, give away, or dispose of an abandoned vehicle found on their land once police clear it as not stolen, but only if it's wrecked, unrepairable, or at least eight years old.
A person upon whose property ... is found an abandoned vehicle or motor vehicle, shall have authority to sell, retain, give away or dispose of the abandoned vehicle ... provided that he notifies a law enforcement agency prior to such disposal and obtains from that agency a written clearance stating that neither the agency's records nor the computerized records of the National Crime Information Center indicates that the vehicle ... has been reported as stolen, and either: (1) totally wrecked or ... suitable only for dismantling purposes; or (2) ... is at least eight (8) years of age or older.
Full Breakdown
Under Section 12-12-19, a property owner or anyone in possession of an abandoned vehicle may sell, retain, give away, or dispose of it to a licensed dismantler after notifying law enforcement and obtaining written clearance that neither local nor NCIC records show it stolen. Disposal to a dismantler without a lien process is allowed only if the vehicle is wrecked beyond repair, at least eight years old, or was left unclaimed for 30 days in a storage yard at police or an owner's request. A newer, repairable vehicle the property owner wants to keep or resell instead requires the standard lien process and a new certificate of title.
Violations & Fines
Disposing of a repairable, under-eight-year vehicle without the lien-and-title process, or skipping the required police stolen-vehicle clearance, leaves the disposer without clear title and exposed to liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a junk car from my property myself?
What if the car is newer than 8 years and still drivable?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rio Rancho
Compare Rio Rancho to another location·View the New Mexico parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.