Rhode Island Abandoned Vehicle Removal Statewide Procedure

Under RIGL Chapter 31-41.1, a vehicle left unattended on a public way for more than 24 hours, or on private property without consent for more than 72 hours, may be declared abandoned. Police or authorized agents may have the vehicle towed to a licensed storage facility. The Department of Motor Vehicles must be notified, and the registered owner must be sent written notice. After statutory waiting periods, unclaimed vehicles may be sold at public auction or transferred to a junk dealer. The procedural minimums apply uniformly across the state.

Owners face towing fees, daily storage charges, administrative fees, and loss of vehicle through public auction or transfer to a salvage dealer if unclaimed.