Dealing with an abandoned vehicle—whether one is blocking your street or your own car has been towed—can be stressful, especially when you don’t know the rules. Indianapolis has a clear set of laws governing what qualifies as an abandoned vehicle, how to report one, and what happens after a tow. Knowing these rules can save you time, money, and frustration.
This guide breaks down Indianapolis’s abandoned vehicle statutes, the reporting process, impoundment procedures, and what owners need to do to reclaim a towed vehicle.
How Indianapolis Law Defines an Abandoned Vehicle
Not every parked car qualifies as abandoned. Under Indiana Code § 9-13-2-1, a vehicle is considered abandoned if it meets one or more specific criteria.
Key Criteria for Identification
According to state statute, a vehicle may be classified as abandoned if it is:
- Left on public property without being moved for 24 hours
- Left on private property without the owner’s consent for more than 48 hours
- Partially dismantled or inoperable (e.g., missing an engine, transmission, or differential) and left on public property
- At least three model years old, mechanically inoperable, and left on private property in a location visible from public property for more than 20 days—even if covered by a tarp or other covering
Beyond the state statute, Indianapolis Municipal Code Chapter 611 also declares certain vehicles a public nuisance. This includes vehicles with four or more unpaid parking violations, stolen or wrecked vehicles left on public streets, and any vehicle parked in violation of city or state code.
Reporting an Abandoned Vehicle in Indianapolis
Who to Contact
Residents can report an abandoned vehicle through two main channels:
- RequestIndy – the city’s online service portal at indy.gov, or via the RequestIndy mobile app
- The Mayor’s Action Center (MAC) – reachable by phone for those who prefer not to use digital tools
It’s worth noting that DBNS (Department of Business & Neighborhood Services) handles abandoned vehicle enforcement across Marion County for private property tows. For vehicles abandoned in city streets and alleys, DBNS oversees enforcement only within Indianapolis proper—not in excluded cities like Lawrence, Beech Grove, Speedway, or Southport.
For abandoned vehicles in those areas, residents should contact the relevant city directly.
Information Needed for Reporting
When submitting a report, be prepared to provide:
- The exact location of the vehicle (street address or cross streets)
- The make, model, color, and license plate number of the vehicle, if visible
- A brief description of the issue (e.g., flat tires, expired tags, no movement for several days)
What Happens After You Report an Abandoned Vehicle
Law Enforcement’s Role
Once a report is submitted through RequestIndy or the Mayor’s Action Center, DBNS assigns Last Chance Wrecker (LCW) to inspect the reported vehicle. For vehicles on public streets or alleys, LCW typically inspects within one to two business days. For vehicles on private property, DBNS conducts its own inspection within five business days.
Notification and Impoundment Procedures
LCW follows a specific process before towing any vehicle:
- Tagging: LCW places a notification sticker on the vehicle in a prominent location. The tag identifies the violation, what the owner must do to avoid a tow, and where the vehicle will be impounded if action isn’t taken.
- Chalking: Tires are marked with chalk and a time-stamped photo is taken.
- 72-hour waiting period: After tagging, the owner has 72 hours to correct all violations and move the vehicle. If the chalk marks show no movement and violations remain uncorrected, the vehicle is towed to the City impound lot.
For private property cases, property owners who want to report a vehicle left without their consent (for more than 48 hours) must submit an affidavit to bns.propertyinspections@indy.gov. DBNS then refers the case to LCW for the same notification and towing process.
Retrieving an Impounded Vehicle in Indianapolis
Steps to Reclaim Your Vehicle
All City of Indianapolis-initiated tows—including those ordered by IMPD—are taken to the City impound facility operated by Autura (formerly AutoReturn), located at 325 S. Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46219. The facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To locate your vehicle before visiting, use Autura’s online search tool at search.autoreturn.com, or call (317) 350-1857.
If your car was towed by Zore’s Towing, call us at (317) 247-8484 to see if we have your vehicle and learn how to get it out of our impound lot.
Required Documentation and Fees
To retrieve an impounded vehicle, you’ll typically need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Proof of vehicle ownership (registration certificate, title, or rental agreement)
- Current proof of insurance (required if you plan to drive the vehicle off the lot)
A few additional points to keep in mind:
Storage fees accumulate daily. Submitting a dispute form or contacting DBNS does not pause or stop these fees. The registered owner is responsible for all storage costs until the vehicle is released.
- Recent vehicle purchases: If the title hasn’t been transferred yet (within 45 days of purchase), bring the signed title to the Autura office.
- Expired registration: You can still retrieve the vehicle, but you must have it towed out—you cannot legally drive it from the lot.
- Payment methods accepted on-site: Cash, debit card, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.
Consequences of Abandoning a Vehicle in Indianapolis
Penalties for Owners
Abandoning a vehicle in Indianapolis isn’t just inconvenient for others—it comes with real consequences for the owner. Failure to correct violations cited on an LCW tag can result in:
- Towing and impoundment at the owner’s expense
- Daily storage fees that increase the longer the vehicle remains unclaimed
- Civil action for violations on private property
- Fines and citations issued by DBNS for public nuisance violations under Chapter 611 of the municipal code
If a vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days (following proper notification), it may be sold at public auction.
Impact on Public Spaces
Abandoned vehicles block parking for residents, create safety hazards, and diminish the quality of neighborhoods. Indianapolis’s enforcement framework exists to protect public spaces and ensure that streets and alleys remain accessible and safe for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car be left on the street in Indianapolis before it’s considered abandoned?
Under Indiana Code § 9-13-2-1, a vehicle left on public property without being moved for 24 hours may be classified as abandoned. This is a relatively short window, so vehicles that remain stationary for more than a day on a public street are at risk of being tagged and eventually towed.
What if my car was wrongfully towed as abandoned in Indianapolis?
If you believe your vehicle was towed in error, you can request an administrative review by submitting an Abandoned Vehicle Tow Dispute Form through indy.gov, or by emailing bns.abv@indy.gov or calling 317-327-4600. Note that storage fees continue to accrue during the review process, so act quickly.
Can I report an abandoned vehicle on private property?
Yes. Abandoned vehicles on private property fall under DBNS jurisdiction throughout Marion County. If the vehicle is on your property without your consent for more than 48 hours, submit an affidavit to bns.propertyinspections@indy.gov. DBNS will review the case and refer it to Last Chance Wrecker if the vehicle qualifies for removal.
What happens to abandoned vehicles that aren’t claimed?
Vehicles that remain unclaimed after 30 days—once the owner has been properly notified—are typically eligible to be sold at public auction through Autura’s auction system.
Know the Rules Before a Problem Becomes Costly
Indianapolis’s abandoned vehicle laws are designed to keep public spaces safe and functional. Whether you’re reporting a neighbor’s eyesore or trying to retrieve a towed vehicle, knowing the process saves time and reduces unnecessary costs.
If you’re dealing with a car breakdown in Indianapolis, Zore’s Towing offers prompt and reliable roadside assistance to get you back on the road safely. Don’t let a breakdown leave you stranded—reach out today for immediate help.
If you’re a property manager struggling with an abandoned or unauthorized vehicle on your lot, Zore’s Towing provides professional property management towing services tailored to your needs. Ensure your property remains safe, organized, and compliant—contact us today for efficient and hassle-free vehicle removal.
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