Find out what is and is not characterized as an abandoned vehicle and how to report one.
What is an abandoned vehicle?
Untaxed vehicles may not necessarily be abandoned and cannot be removed for this reason alone. Check to see if the vehicle is taxed and has an MOT certificate
An abandoned vehicle will usually display visible signs that it has not moved for some time. For example, it might have:
- Weeds in or under the vehicle
- Mould or rubbish inside the vehicle
- Missing or flat tyres, or wheels
- Broken windows
The vehicle could be on the public highway, or on private land. If it is on private land and you are the landowner, check ownership of the vehicle before reporting it.
What is not an abandoned vehicle?
Vehicles are not necessarily abandoned when they are any of the following:
- Badly parked
- Causing an obstruction
- Broken down
- Caravans parked on the highway
- Cars involved in residential disputes
Before you report it
WarningIf you feel your issue is urgent, you can report this as an emergency
Report an abandoned vehicle on our website.
Using our website to report issues
You will need to provide a location of the issue (post code or town) and then select the relevant category:
- Drains and flooding
- Public spaces and parks
- Roads and pavements
- Rubbish and environment
You will need to provide the following information:
- Your name
- Your address
- Registration number of the vehicle
- Make, model and colour of vehicle
- Any damage to the vehicle
- Exact location of the vehicle (including postcode or a postcode for a nearby property)
- How long the vehicle has been there without moving
- Details of any known owner (if it’s on private land, contact the DVLA to request this information)
- Reason you believe the vehicle to be abandoned