New York Statewide Rule

Abandoned Vehicle Removal Rules in New York

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across New York (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: VTL § 1224
Public Highway Threshold: 24 hours (6 if unplated)
Custody: Local police agency
Title Transfer: DMV uniform process

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: New York State Senate

Summary

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law sets uniform definitions and removal procedures for abandoned vehicles statewide, governing how police and municipalities take custody of and dispose of derelict cars on public and certain private property.

§ 1224. Abandoned vehicles. 1. A motor vehicle shall be deemed to be an abandoned vehicle if left unattended (a) with no number plates affixed thereto, for more than six hours on any highway or other public place; (b) for more than twenty-four hours on any highway or other public place, except a portion of a highway or public place on which parking is legally permitted; (c) for more than forty-eight hours, after the parking of such vehicle shall have become illegal, if left on a portion of a highway or public place on which parking is legally permitted; (d) for more than ninety-six hours on property of another if left without permission of the owner.

Source: New York State SenateView official code

Full Breakdown

Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1224 deems a vehicle abandoned if left unattended for more than 24 hours on a highway or other public place (six hours if it has no plates), more than 48 hours after parking becomes illegal, or more than 96 hours on another person's property without permission. Police may take custody, notify the registered owner, and after statutory waiting periods sell or dispose of the vehicle. Municipalities can adopt local impound and storage fee schedules but must follow the state framework for notice, owner rights, and lien procedures. The DMV title transfer rules for abandoned vehicles are uniform statewide.

Violations & Penalties

Owners face towing fees, daily storage charges, and potential loss of title if the vehicle is sold at auction. Property owners who fail to follow notice procedures before removing a vehicle from private property may face civil claims from the registered owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a vehicle sit on a public street before it is abandoned?

Under Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1224, a vehicle left unattended on a highway or public place for more than 24 hours, or six hours if it has no plates, is presumed abandoned and may be removed by police.

Can a city set its own abandoned vehicle definition?

Cities may add operational rules and impound fees, but the core statutory definition and DMV disposal process come from state law and apply uniformly across New York.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.