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Colorado Statewide Rule

Colorado Abandoned Vehicle Law and Statewide Tow Procedures

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Colorado (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
CRS 42-4-1801 to 1809
Public roadway
72 hours typical threshold
Notice
Certified mail to owner, lienholder
Sale
Public auction after redemption period
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: C.R.S. 42-4-1802 - Vehicles abandoned on public property - definitions

Summary

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.

42-4-1803. Abandonment of motor vehicles - public property. (1) (a) No person shall abandon any motor vehicle upon public property. Any sheriff, undersheriff, deputy sheriff, police officer, marshal, Colorado state patrol officer, or agent of the Colorado bureau of investigation who finds a motor vehicle that such officer has reasonable grounds to believe has been abandoned shall require such motor vehicle to be removed or cause the same to be removed and placed in storage in any impound lot designated or maintained by the law enforcement agency employing such officer. (b) If an operator is used by the responsible law enforcement agency to tow or impound the motor vehicle pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (1), the operator shall be provided with written authorization to possess the motor vehicle on a document that includes, without limitation, the year, make, model, vehicle identification number, and storage location.

Source: C.R.S. 42-4-1802 - Vehicles abandoned on public property - definitionsView official code

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Penalties

Improper tows, missed notices, or premature sales expose operators to civil liability for conversion and statutory damages payable to vehicle owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before a vehicle is legally abandoned in Colorado?
On public roadways, generally 72 hours of continuous parking can trigger abandonment. On private property, the property owner can authorize tow after posting and notice requirements are met.
How do I get my towed vehicle back in Colorado?
Contact the towing operator, present identification and proof of ownership, and pay outstanding towing, storage, and administrative fees before the statutory auction date passes.
Can a private property owner just tow any vehicle?
No. State law requires posted signage, proper authorization, immediate report to law enforcement, and notice to the registered owner before sale or disposal.

Sources

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