Utah Abandoned Vehicle Removal and Title Procedures

Under Utah Code 41-6a-1401 through 1408, a peace officer or authorized agent who finds a vehicle abandoned on public or private property may have it removed to a state-impound yard. The Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) sends statutory notice to the registered owner and lienholders. If the vehicle is not redeemed within 30 days after notice, the impound yard may sell the vehicle at public sale and apply for a title under Utah Code 41-1a-1101. Storage and towing fees are capped by Utah Department of Transportation rules. While cities may add ordinances on time-on-street thresholds, the state procedure for taking title and disposing of abandoned vehicles is uniform statewide.

Improperly disposing of an impounded vehicle outside the statutory notice window can void the sale and expose the tow operator or municipality to civil liability for conversion.