How can I find out if a car is abandoned and how to get it removed if it is? All you need to know here

How to Tell if a Car Is Abandoned and How to Get It Removed in the UK

Has an abandoned car appeared on your street? From creating an eyesore to taking up valuable parking space, a dumped vehicle can be a real nuisance for local residents.

Here’s a complete guide on how to find out if a car is genuinely abandoned, and how to get it removed by the right authorities.

Abandoned Jaguar car — Do you suspect a car might have been abandoned on your street? Here’s how to find out and what to do. Photo by Charlie

Where Is the Car Located?

Before taking action, it’s important to establish where the vehicle is parked.
This guide covers cars abandoned on public roads. If the car is on private land (for example, in a shared car park or a private driveway), the process is different, and you’ll need to contact the landowner or local council directly.

Is the Car Really Abandoned?

Not every car parked for a long time is abandoned. If a vehicle is legally parked on a public street with no restrictions, its owner has every right to leave it there, even for several weeks.

However, any car parked on a public highway must be taxed, insured, and have a valid MOT. If it doesn’t, it could be considered abandoned and subject to removal.

Common Signs of an Abandoned Vehicle

The DVLA lists several clear indicators that a vehicle might be abandoned:

Signs the car may be abandoned	Description
No registered keeper or untaxed	Vehicle doesn’t appear on DVLA database or is untaxed
Stationary for a long time	Car hasn’t moved for weeks or months
Visibly damaged or unroadworthy	Flat tyres, missing wheels, smashed windows, or rust
Burned out	Obvious fire damage
Missing number plates	Plates removed or obscured
Multiple parking tickets	Indicates it’s not being looked after or used

If you spot one or more of these signs, you may have good reason to report it.

How to Check if a Car Is Taxed or Has a Valid MOT

You can quickly and legally check if a car is taxed and MOT’d using the DVLA’s free online tools.
You’ll need the registration number, and ideally, the make and model of the vehicle.

If the car is untaxed or has no valid MOT, it should not be parked on a public road — and you can use this evidence when reporting it.

Can You Check if a Car Is Insured?

By law, cars parked or driven on public roads must be insured.
However, you can only check the insurance status of a vehicle you own or have a connection to. If you need to check another vehicle’s insurance legally, you can do so through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau for a small fee.

How to Report an Abandoned Car

If you believe a car has been abandoned:

Visit the UK “Report an abandoned vehicle” page.
Enter your postcode to be redirected to your local authority’s reporting service.
Provide the following details:
- Vehicle type (car, van, motorbike, etc.)
- Make, model, and colour
- Condition of the vehicle
- Registration number (if visible)
- Photo evidence (optional, usually under 500kb)

Once submitted, your local council will assess and take appropriate action.

What Happens After You Report It?

Local authorities are responsible for removing abandoned vehicles on public land.
They’ll investigate your report and, if confirmed as abandoned, will remove the vehicle within a set timeframe, often within a few days, though timing varies between councils.
In some cases, vehicles on public roads can be removed within 24 hours.
Different timescales apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

What If the Car Isn’t Abandoned but Poorly Parked?

If a vehicle is parked dangerously, blocking access, obstructing driveways, or posing a risk to pedestrians, contact your local police (via 101).
The police have the authority to move vehicles that are causing danger or obstruction, even if they are taxed and insured.

FAQs: Abandoned Vehicles in the UK

How long before a car is considered abandoned?
There’s no set time limit, but councils typically investigate vehicles that haven’t moved for several weeks and show signs of neglect or damage.
Can I move an abandoned car myself?
No. Only the council or police have the authority to remove or dispose of abandoned vehicles.
What happens to the car once it’s removed?
If unclaimed, the car is usually scrapped or sold at auction after a set period.
Can a car be abandoned on private land?
Yes, but it’s the landowner’s responsibility to arrange removal — usually through the council or a licensed waste carrier.
Will I be informed if a vehicle I report is removed?
Some councils provide updates, but not all do. You can follow up with your local authority if needed.

Disclaimer

This guide is intended for general informational purposes only and reflects UK regulations as of 2025. Always refer to official government resources such as GOV.UK or your local authority for the most up-to-date information on abandoned vehicles and reporting procedures.

How can I find out if a car is abandoned and how to get it removed if it is? All you need to know here

1 Comment

How to Tell if a Car Is Abandoned and How to Get It Removed in the UK

Where Is the Car Located?

Is the Car Really Abandoned?

Common Signs of an Abandoned Vehicle

How to Check if a Car Is Taxed or Has a Valid MOT

Can You Check if a Car Is Insured?

How to Report an Abandoned Car

What Happens After You Report It?

What If the Car Isn’t Abandoned but Poorly Parked?

FAQs: Abandoned Vehicles in the UK

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Disclaimer

1 comment for “How can I find out if a car is abandoned and how to get it removed if it is? All you need to know here”