Ohio Statewide Rule

Ohio Abandoned Vehicle Removal and Disposal Law

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Ohio (2026)

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

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules

Summary

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.

(B) The sheriff of a county or chief of a law enforcement agency of a municipal corporation, township, port authority, conservancy district, university campus police department, park district police force, or township or joint police district, within the sheriff's or chief's respective territorial jurisdiction, or a state highway patrol trooper, natural resources officer, or wildlife officer, upon notification to the sheriff, chief, or department of natural resources of such action, shall order any abandoned junk motor vehicle to be photographed by a law enforcement officer. The officer shall record the make of motor vehicle, the serial number when available, and shall also detail the damage or missing equipment to substantiate the value of one thousand five hundred dollars or less.

Source: Ohio Laws & Administrative RulesView official code

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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