Abandoned vehicles

Check before reporting a vehicle as abandoned

Abandon vehicle

Is the vehicle taxed?

First check if the vehicle is taxed. This can be done by checking on the DVLA website

If the vehicle is untaxed and parked on public road report it to the DVLA

If the vehicle is taxed, it would NOT usually be considered to be abandoned.

If the vehicle is SORN

If vehicle has been registered as off the road (SORN) the vehicle should not be left on the public road.

If the vehicle is SORN and parked on the public highway it should be reported to DVLA as the only authority with the powers to remove.

If the vehicle is untaxed

The DVLA is the only authority with the powers to remove untaxed vehicles from the public highway.

Taxed vehicles

If the vehicle is taxed but appears to have been involved in Road Traffic Accident/collision, it would NOT generally be considered to be abandoned. The owner would be expected to take action to get the vehicle removed.

No MOT

You can only report vehicle with no MOT to the police if it is being used on road

You need the vehicle’

  • number plate (registration number)
  • make and model
  • colour
  • location

Report car with no MOT to the police

What happens next

When you report an abandoned vehicle

  • we will investigate and inspect the vehicle
  • If we believe it has been abandoned
    • a notice will be placed on the vehicle to advise that it will be removed. (This gives the opportunity for an owner to get in touch with us to explain that it is not abandoned).
    • If no contact is received the vehicle will then be removed

We cannot remove vehicles from private land without the permission of the landowner.

Report an abandoned vehicle - using our online map