How to Report and Remove an Abandoned Vehicle in Phoenix, Az
Have an abandoned car sitting on your property, behind your business, or blocking a bay at your shop? In Phoenix, removing an abandoned vehicle legally and quickly depends on whether it’s on public or private land — and who you call first.
At Freeway Towing & Storage, we help homeowners, HOAs, landlords, business owners, and mechanics remove abandoned vehicles properly.
📞 Need it gone fast? Call us 24/7 at (602) 377-0036
What is an Abandoned Vehicle in Phoenix?
A vehicle is considered abandoned when:
- left without permission on private property
- It hasn’t moved in 48–72 hours
- Appears inoperable, missing plates, or unregistered
- Is blocking access to a driveway, dumpster, business entrance, or repair bay
The rules change based on where the vehicle is parked and what type of property it is on.
Who to Call About an Abandoned Vehicle in Phoenix?
When it’s on a public street or sidewalk:
- Call Phoenix Police (Non-Emergency): (602) 262-6151
- Provide the address, make/model, and how long it’s been there
Only law enforcement can authorize removal of vehicles from public roads. Private towing companies, like ours, cannot remove vehicles from public areas without police permission.
When it’s on private property (like your home, business, or shop):
You can call a licensed towing company directly. We will take care of everything from posting notices to legal removal and paperwork.
Steps to Remove an Abandoned Vehicle on Private Property
1: Confirm it’s on private property
2: Call Freeway Towing & Storage at (602) 377-0036
3: Provide vehicle details, photos, and access info
4: If required, we post a legal notice before towing
5: We tow the vehicle with full documentation and insurance
✅ We handle all legal procedures, post notices (if needed), and share pre/post photos through our TowBook dispatch system.
Who We Help With Abandoned Vehicle Removal
We provide towing for abandoned vehicles left at:
- Apartment complexes & multifamily housing
- HOA communities & gated neighborhoods
- Commercial shopping centers
- Business parking lots
- Residential driveways
- Privately owned land or vacant lots
Mechanics & Body Shops – Need an Abandoned Vehicle Towed?
Yes — we tow vehicles abandoned at shops and repair facilities. If you are a mechanic, collision center, or auto repair shop, we can help. If a customer leaves their car because they haven’t paid for repairs, turned down estimates, or missed appointments, we can take it away. Freeway Towing & Storage will do this legally and quickly.
We understand the frustration of cars taking up valuable bay or lot space. Whether it’s been sitting for days or weeks, we’ll help clear it out the right way.
✅ We handle:
- Customer no-shows or tow-ins left behind
- Unpaid repair holds
- Declined estimates
- Abandoned insurance jobs
We provide full documentation and real-time updates through TowBook, including pre- and post-tow photos.
Can I Just Call a Tow Truck to Remove an Abandoned Vehicle?
Yes — if it’s on private property and you are the property owner or manager.
No — if it’s on a public street. In that case, only the police can authorize removal. You’ll need to call Phoenix Police at (602) 262-6151.
Why Call Freeway Towing for Abandoned Vehicles?
📍 Family-owned and based in Central Phoenix
✅ Licensed for private property impounds in Arizona
📝 We handle notice posting and legal documentation
📸 TowBook photo confirmation and GPS tracking
🚚 Clean trucks, trained drivers, and full insurance
💬 Real dispatchers — no call centers or apps
We’ve helped remove hundreds of abandoned vehicles across the Valley. Let us help you next.
Request Abandoned Vehicle Removal Today
If there’s a vehicle on your property you didn’t authorize — don’t wait. Contact us, the faster we can start the legal process and get it removed.
📞 Call (602) 377-0036 now
✅ Licensed for abandoned vehicle towing in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe & more
✅ Available 24/7 — no voicemails, no delays
Why Prompt Abandoned Vehicle Removal Matters
Removing abandoned vehicles swiftly benefits neighborhoods significantly. They can pose safety risks if left unattended and obstruct emergency services. Prompt action ensures roads and public spaces remain safe.
Abandoned cars often attract unwanted activities and decrease community aesthetics. They can:
- Lower property values
- Breed pests and vermin
- Contribute to environmental pollution
By addressing abandoned vehicles quickly, communities can maintain safety and appearance. Reporting them also fosters a proactive, responsible community, enhancing overall urban living conditions. Community involvement in these efforts is vital for ongoing success.
How to Identify an Abandoned Vehicle
Identifying abandoned vehicles is crucial for maintaining community safety. Several signs can indicate abandonment, making it easier for residents to take action.
Common indicators of an abandoned vehicle include:
- Expired license plates or registration
- Flat or missing tires
- Accumulation of debris or dust
- Missing parts or broken windows
Spotting these signs early ensures a prompt report, preventing further community issues. Always document your observations before reporting to facilitate the process.
What Happens After Abandoned Vehicle is Removed?
The MVD will notify the last registered owner that their vehicle has been impounded. They will give the location and contact information of the company who impounded the vehicle. The owner of the vehicle has 45 days to pick up the impounded vehicle from the towing company. If they do not pick up the vehicle they will be issued a $500 fine from the MVD. The title of the vehicle will be issued to the towing company.
Abandoned Vehicle Removal Towing Company In Phoenix
Public Property vs. Private Property: Key Differences
When dealing with abandoned vehicles, the approach changes based on whether the vehicle is on private or public property. In Phoenix, the police typically will not tow vehicles from private property. If you find an abandoned vehicle on your property, first check to see if it is stolen. You can do this by checking the vehicle identification number (VIN) and contacting local law enforcement for verification.
Once it is confirmed that the vehicle is not stolen, you should reach out to a towing company to arrange for removal. For example, Freeway Towing and Storage in Phoenix offers this service. They can help tow your vehicle safely. Always be sure to check local bylaws and regulations regarding vehicle removal on private property to avoid any complications.
If a vehicle is left abandoned on a public street, a private towing company cannot remove it right away. In this case, you need to call the police’s non-emergency number to report the abandoned vehicle. The police will then tag the vehicle, after which it can be picked up by a contracted towing company. This process ensures that abandoned vehicles on public property are handled according to city regulations.
Abandoned Vehicle Fees
If someone reports a vehicle as abandoned, it will go through a process. The registered owner may have to pay a fee based on where the vehicle is found. A $500 fee may be charged if a vehicle is left on private property. If it is abandoned on certain federal or state land, a $600 fee applies. The registered owner of the vehicle must claim it or provide proper documents. This will help avoid an abandoned vehicle fee.
How to Avoid Abandoned Vehicle Fees
To help avoid a potential $500 abandoned vehicle fee, consider the following actions:
- File a Sold Notice: If you sell, trade, donate, or transfer ownership of a vehicle, file a sold notice right away. This service is free and can prevent future issues.
- Check in with the tow company: If your vehicle gets towed, make sure to contact the towing company.
- Documentation to Avoid Fees: You might avoid or waive the fee if you provide one of these documents:
Proof of bill of sale before the vehicle was abandoned.
A trade-in agreement or proof of sale to a dealer.
If the vehicle is stolen, a copy of the police report.
A total loss settlement statement must include:
Payout for the vehicle loss (make, model, year, and VIN).
Date of loss.
Who “retained” the vehicle.
Incarceration-related documentation:
Time served documentation, including the incarceration date and release date.
A letter from a probation or parole officer on official letterhead showing the incarceration dates
Abandoned Vehicle Removal Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have an abandoned vehicle towed from private property in Phoenix?
Yes. If you’re the property owner, tenant, or authorized agent, you can request removal through Freeway Towing & Storage. We’ll provide a one-page Abandoned Vehicle Removal Authorization Form that must be signed before the tow.
What qualifies as an abandoned vehicle in Phoenix?
A vehicle may be seen as abandoned if it is left without permission on private property. It can also be considered abandoned if it looks broken, has no current registration, or hasn’t moved in over 48 to 72 hours.
Do I need to post a notice before towing the vehicle?
In many cases, yes. Depending on the type of property, Arizona law may require us to post a notice before towing. We’ll handle that for you if needed.
Can you remove a vehicle with no plates or registration?
Yes. We routinely tow vehicles with missing tags, expired registration, flat tires, or visible signs of abandonment or damage.
Can you remove a vehicle left at my auto shop or body shop?
Absolutely. We work with mechanics, collision centers, and body shops. We help remove vehicles left behind when estimates are declined, repairs are unpaid, or customers stop responding.
How long does it take to remove the vehicle after I call?
In most cases, we can remove the vehicle same day — usually within the hour. Our dispatch team will check the details. They will get your authorization form signed. Then, they will send the nearest driver to you. We understand that abandoned vehicles are urgent — and we treat them that way.
Do you notify the owner of the vehicle once it has been towed?
Yes — indirectly. We notify the Phoenix Police Department after towing and are issued an official impound number. The Arizona MVD then mails a letter to the last known registered owner on file. Freeway Towing does not contact the owner directly.
Do you notify the police when an abandoned vehicle is removed?
Yes. We must notify the police department and file the impound details right after we remove the vehicle.
Is there a fee for the property owner or business?
No — in most cases, there is no charge to the property owner. The registered owner of the abandoned vehicle is responsible for any towing or storage fees.
What documentation do you provide?
Photos are taken before and after towing. We fill out the authorization form and also document all activity in TowBook, our GPS dispatch system. You’ll receive confirmation and a record of the tow.
What is the Abandoned Vehicle Removal Authorization Form?
It’s a one-page form that allows Freeway Towing & Storage to legally remove the vehicle from your property. You can sign it in person or receive it via text or email before the tow.
What areas do you service for abandoned vehicle towing?
We serve all of Phoenix, including Arcadia, Biltmore, Downtown, Midtown, Roosevelt Row, Glendale, Tempe, Scottsdale, and the surrounding Valley
Tips for Preventing Vehicle Abandonment in Your Community
Communities thrive when everyone plays a part in preventing vehicle abandonment. Maintaining awareness and supporting neighbors is crucial.
Here are some proactive tips:
- Educate: Share information on the consequences of vehicle abandonment.
- Report promptly: Quickly report vehicles that seem abandoned.
- Support local cleanup efforts: Join initiatives that keep neighborhoods tidy.
- Offer assistance: Help neighbors who may struggle with vehicle upkeep.
By following these measures, you contribute to a cleaner, safer community for all residents.
Conclusion: Keeping Phoenix Clean and Safe
Abandoned vehicles are more than just an eyesore; they can lead to safety and environmental issues. By actively reporting and removing abandoned cars, residents play a vital role in maintaining Phoenix’s cham and security.
