What Constitutes an Abandoned Vehicle in Missouri?

Identifying abandoned vehicles is essential for maintaining public safety and aesthetics in Missouri. According to state law, an abandoned vehicle is defined as a motor vehicle that:

Lacks a current license plate or temporary tag
Is not registered or insured
Has remained on public or private property for 24 hours or more
Appears to be inoperable
Is missing parts, such as wheels or windows
Is covered with vegetation or debris
Shows signs of neglect, such as vandalism or rust

Procedure for Reporting Abandoned Vehicles

If you encounter an abandoned vehicle in Missouri, you can report it to the local police department or the Missouri State Highway Patrol. You can also report it online through the Missouri Department of Revenue’s website.

When reporting an abandoned vehicle, you should provide the following information:

Location of the vehicle
Description of the vehicle, including make, model, and color
Any identifying marks, such as license plate or VIN number
Contact information, including name, address, and phone number

Removal of Abandoned Vehicles

Once an abandoned vehicle has been reported, the local police or sheriff’s office will investigate the report and determine if the vehicle meets the criteria for abandonment. If the vehicle is determined to be abandoned, the officer will issue a notice to the registered owner, if known, and post a notice on the vehicle.

If the vehicle is not claimed within 10 days, the officer will arrange for the vehicle to be towed and impounded. The owner will be responsible for paying the towing and storage fees.