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Nevada Statewide Rule

Nevada Abandoned Vehicle Removal And Title Procedures

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nevada (2026)

Key Facts

Primary statute
NRS 487.230-.300
Public property threshold
72 hours
DMV notice
Within 10 days
Sale waiting period
30 days
Regulator
Nevada DMV
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Nevada Legislature

Summary

Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 487 governs the removal, storage, and disposition of abandoned vehicles statewide, setting uniform notice, lien, and title procedures that local governments must follow when impounding or selling abandoned vehicles.

NRS 487.230 Certain peace officers, law enforcement officers, investigators and other personnel authorized to remove or cause removal of vehicle abandoned on public property other than public lands; removal of vehicles abandoned on private property; duties of person authorizing removal. 1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 487.235, any sheriff or designee of a sheriff, constable, member of the Nevada Highway Patrol, officer of the Legislative Police, investigator of the Division of Compliance Enforcement of the Department, personnel of the Capitol Police Division of the Department of Public Safety, designated employees of the Housing Division of the Department of Business and Industry, special investigator employed by the office of a district attorney, marshal or police officer of a city or town or his or her designee, a marshal or park ranger who is part of a unit of specialized law enforcement established pursuant to NRS 280.125, or any other person charged with the enforcement of county or city ordinances who has reason to believe that a vehicle has been abandoned on public property in his or her jurisdiction may remove the vehicle from that property or cause the vehicle to be removed from that property.

Source: Nevada LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under NRS 487.230 through 487.300, a vehicle left on public property over 72 hours, or on private property without owner consent, may be removed by law enforcement or a registered tow operator. Tow operators must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days, send certified notice to the registered owner, and post a public notice if ownership cannot be confirmed. After 30 days without claim, the operator may apply for a salvage or non-repairable title and sell the vehicle at lien sale. Local agencies may regulate placement of vehicles on streets but must follow NRS 487 for disposal procedures.

Violations & Penalties

Improper disposal exposes towers to civil liability, license suspension by the Nevada Transportation Authority, and potential criminal charges for conversion or fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can my car be towed as abandoned in Nevada?
If parked on public property more than 72 hours, or on private property without permission, it qualifies as abandoned and may be removed under NRS 487.
How do I reclaim a towed vehicle?
Contact the towing operator listed on the police or DMV notice, present ID and proof of ownership, and pay accrued towing and storage fees before the lien sale date.

Sources

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