A motor vehicle is considered abandoned if it remains on public property for how long?

A motor vehicle is classified as abandoned if it remains on public property for 48 hours. This time frame is established to help municipalities and law enforcement manage vehicles that are left unattended, which can pose safety hazards or impede traffic. Setting a specific duration, such as 48 hours, creates a clear guideline for determining when a vehicle can be classified as abandoned and subsequently addressed by authorities.

If a vehicle is left for less than 48 hours, it may not meet the criteria for abandonment, allowing owners a reasonable amount of time to retrieve their vehicles. This balance helps ensure that vehicles are promptly removed if necessary while providing vehicle owners a fair opportunity to claim their property.