You walk into your parking lot and there it is — a car you have never seen before, sitting in one of your spots. No note. No owner in sight. Maybe it has been there for days. Maybe the tires are flat and the registration is expired. What do you do?
If you are a property owner or manager in the Phoenix metro area, abandoned vehicles are not just an eyesore. They take up valuable parking spaces, create liability issues, and can attract other problems like vandalism or illegal dumping. The good news is that Arizona law gives you clear options for dealing with this situation.
Step 1: Confirm the Vehicle Is Actually Abandoned
Before you take any action, determine whether the vehicle is truly abandoned or simply parked without authorization. According to Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS 28-4141 through 28-4145), a vehicle may be considered abandoned if:
- It has been left unattended on your property without your permission
- It is inoperable — flat tires, missing parts, mechanical failure
- It has no valid registration or the tags are expired
- It appears the owner has no intention of returning for it
Important Distinction
A working vehicle parked in violation of your rules (wrong spot, no permit) is an unauthorized vehicle, not an abandoned one. Unauthorized vehicles can usually be towed immediately under ARS 28-3511 if you have proper signage posted. Abandoned vehicles follow a different legal process.
Step 2: Document Everything
Before touching anything or calling anyone, document the vehicle thoroughly:
- 1Take photos from multiple angles — all four sides, the license plate, VIN (visible through the windshield), and any damage
- 2Record the date and time you first noticed the vehicle
- 3Note the exact location — which parking space, lot, or area of your property
- 4Check for identifying info — license plate number, registration sticker, any notes on the dashboard
- 5Note the vehicle's condition — flat tires, broken windows, dust accumulation, expired tags
Step 3: Contact a Licensed Towing Company
This is where most property owners get the best results fastest. A licensed private property towing company like Axle Towing & Impound can assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action.
Depending on the circumstances, the towing company may be able to:
- Remove the vehicle immediately if it qualifies as unauthorized under ARS 28-3511
- Begin the abandoned vehicle process under ARS 28-4141 if the longer legal timeline applies
- Coordinate with law enforcement to file the required notifications
Free for Property Owners
Under Arizona's private property impound (PPI) model, the cost of towing and storage is paid by the vehicle owner when they retrieve their car. Property owners pay nothing.
Step 4: Law Enforcement Notification
After the vehicle is towed, the towing company is required to notify local law enforcement within a specific timeframe. This notification includes the vehicle description, VIN, license plate information, and the location where the vehicle was picked up. Law enforcement then runs the vehicle through their database to identify the registered owner and check for theft reports.
Step 5: Owner Notification and Waiting Period
Arizona law requires that the registered owner be notified by certified mail after the vehicle is towed. The notification includes where the vehicle is being stored, the fees that have accumulated, the deadline to claim the vehicle, and what happens if they do not claim it. If the owner cannot be identified, the towing company works with ADOT to conduct a title search.
Step 6: Lien Process If Owner Does Not Claim
If the vehicle owner does not claim the vehicle within the legally required waiting period, the towing company can file for a mechanic's lien through ADOT. This process ultimately allows the towing company to take ownership of the vehicle and dispose of it — typically through auction or salvage — to recover the unpaid towing and storage fees. As the property owner, you are not involved in this process.
What NOT to Do
- Do not move the vehicle yourself — you could be liable for any damage and may violate state law
- Do not remove parts from the vehicle — even if it appears to be junk, removing parts is illegal
- Do not ignore it — abandoned vehicles attract more abandoned vehicles and create fire hazards
- Do not put a warning sticker on it and wait — this is not legally required and delays resolution
How to Prevent Abandoned Vehicles
- Post proper towing signage at every vehicle entrance (required under ARS 28-3511 and ARS 9-499.05)
- Partner with a professional towing company for regular patrols
- Include vehicle requirements in lease agreements — current registration, insurance, operable condition
- Conduct regular property inspections and flag vehicles sitting unused
- Act quickly when you spot a potential abandoned vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a vehicle have to sit before it is considered abandoned in Arizona?
There is no single fixed number of days that automatically makes a vehicle abandoned in Arizona. The determination depends on factors including whether the vehicle is on private or public property, its condition (inoperable, expired registration), and whether the owner has indicated they intend to return. On private property with proper towing signage, unauthorized vehicles can be removed immediately.
Can I have an abandoned vehicle towed for free?
Yes. Under Arizona's private property impound (PPI) model, the towing and storage costs are paid by the vehicle owner, not the property owner. When you partner with a licensed towing company like Axle Towing, the removal is completely free for property owners.
What if the abandoned vehicle has no license plate?
A vehicle without a license plate can still be removed and processed. The towing company will use the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to identify the vehicle and attempt to locate the owner through ADOT records. If no owner can be found, the lien process proceeds after the required waiting period.
Do I need to call the police before having an abandoned vehicle towed?
On private property, you generally do not need to call the police before having a vehicle towed. Your towing company handles the required law enforcement notification after the tow. However, if you suspect the vehicle is stolen (broken windows, ignition damage, missing plates), calling the police first is recommended.
What if the vehicle owner comes back and is angry about the tow?
Your towing company handles all interactions with vehicle owners. When the owner calls to retrieve their vehicle, the towing company explains the fees and retrieval process. If you have proper signage posted and followed the correct procedures, you are fully protected under Arizona law.
Need Help With an Abandoned Vehicle?
Axle Towing & Impound handles the entire abandoned vehicle process for property owners across the Phoenix metro area — from documentation and towing to law enforcement notification and lien processing. Our service is completely free for property owners.
Axle Towing & Impound
Professional private property towing and parking enforcement serving the Greater Phoenix metro area since 2021. Licensed, insured, and experienced in handling abandoned vehicle cases from start to finish.