Alabama Statewide Rule
Alabama Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act Statewide Rules
Key Facts
- Statute
- Code §32-13-1 et seq.
- Public abandonment
- 48 hours
- Notice waiting period
- 30 days
- Reporting agency
- Department of Revenue
- Sale method
- Public auction
Summary
Alabama law sets statewide procedures for handling abandoned vehicles, requiring notice to owners, lienholders, and the Department of Revenue before any sale or title transfer can occur through licensed wreckers or property owners.
(a) A person, as defined in Section 40-12-240, in possession of a motor vehicle that is considered an abandoned motor vehicle may sell the motor vehicle at a public auction. (b)(1) Notice of the date, time, and place of the sale and a description of the motor vehicle to be sold, including the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number, shall be given by publication once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the sale is to be held, provided the vehicle is currently registered in the county. In counties in which no newspaper is published, notice shall be given by posting such notice in a conspicuous place at the courthouse. The first publication or posting, as the case may be, shall be at least 30 days before the date of sale. A person selling a motor vehicle at public auction under subsection (a) shall give notice of the public auction to the department at least 35 calendar days prior to the date of the public auction.
Full Breakdown
Alabama Code Sections 32-13-1 through 32-13-8 establish the uniform Abandoned Motor Vehicle Act applied statewide. A vehicle is deemed abandoned when left unattended on public property over 48 hours, or on private property without permission. Wrecker services or property owners must report abandoned vehicles to the Department of Revenue within five days, send certified-mail notices to the registered owner and lienholders, and wait at least 30 days before sale at public auction. Cities may regulate towing logistics but cannot shorten statutory notice periods or bypass the Department of Revenue reporting requirement.
Violations & Penalties
Failure to follow notice and reporting steps voids the sale and exposes towers to civil liability for conversion damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a city shorten Alabama's 30-day waiting period?
Who can declare a vehicle abandoned on private property?
Sources
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