Ohio Statewide Rule

Ohio Abandoned Vehicle Removal and Disposal Law

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Ohio (2026)

Ohio Revised Code 4513.60 through 4513.65 establishes a uniform statewide process for removing, storing, and disposing of abandoned junk motor vehicles from public and private property, applying universally across all Ohio jurisdictions.

Key Facts

Public Street Threshold: 48 hours unattended
Junk Vehicle Age: Three or more years old
Junk Value Cap: $1,500 or less
Notice Method: Certified mail to owner
Statute: ORC 4513.60-4513.65

Source: Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules

Full Breakdown

Under ORC 4513.61, law enforcement may order any motor vehicle left on a public street, highway, or other public property for 48 hours or more to be towed to a place of storage. ORC 4513.63 defines an 'abandoned junk motor vehicle' as one that is three or more years old, extensively damaged, apparently inoperable, and has a fair market value of $1,500 or less. Owners must be notified by certified mail, and unclaimed vehicles may be sold at public auction or transferred to a salvage facility after the statutory waiting period.

Violations & Penalties

Vehicles meeting the abandoned criteria may be towed at the owner's expense, with towing, storage, and notice fees deducted from any auction proceeds. Owners who fail to remove a tagged vehicle within the notice period forfeit title to the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a vehicle sit on an Ohio public street before being towed?

Under ORC 4513.61, a vehicle left on any public street, highway, or other public property for 48 hours or longer may be ordered towed by law enforcement to a storage facility at the owner's expense.

What qualifies as an abandoned junk motor vehicle in Ohio?

ORC 4513.63 defines it as a vehicle three or more years old, extensively damaged with missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission, apparently inoperable, and worth $1,500 or less in fair market value.

Can a property owner have a vehicle removed from private land?

Yes. Under ORC 4513.60, private property owners may request law enforcement removal of vehicles left without permission, following statutory notice and titling procedures.

Sources

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a vehicle sit on an Ohio public street before being towed?

Under ORC 4513.61, a vehicle left on any public street, highway, or other public property for 48 hours or longer may be ordered towed by law enforcement to a storage facility at the owner's expense.

What qualifies as an abandoned junk motor vehicle in Ohio?

Can a property owner have a vehicle removed from private land?

Yes. Under ORC 4513.60, private property owners may request law enforcement removal of vehicles left without permission, following statutory notice and titling procedures.