Abandoned vehicles
Vehicles that have been dumped are an eyesore and can be dangerous.
We are responsible for removing vehicles, or parts of vehicles, from the public highway. The following characteristics are associated with abandoned vehicles:
- stationary for a significant amount of time (at least two months)
- significantly damaged, run down, or unroadworthy
- burned out
- lacking one or more of its registration plates
- build up of dirt, litter or weeds around the vehicle
If a vehicle does not have valid road tax, this does not necessarily mean that the vehicle meets the criteria for ‘abandonment’. The council does not remove untaxed vehicles, these should be reported to the DVLA.
A Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) vehicle should not be left on a public highway and the DVLA is the only authority with the powers to remove. If the vehicle is SORN and parked on the public highway it should be treated the same way as an untaxed vehicle and reported to the DVLA by calling 0300 790 6802 or reporting online.
You can check if a vehicle has valid tax and/or is registered as SORN.
A vehicle without a valid MOT and on the highway must be reported to Derbyshire Police. Find out more about vehicles without a valid MOT.
If the vehicle is taxed and appears to have been involved with a road traffic accident/collision or is broken down, it would not generally be considered as abandoned. The owner would be expected to take action to get the vehicle removed.
Report an abandoned vehicle
If you think a car, van or other vehicle has been abandoned we need to know:
- where it is
- when you first noticed it
- if it is damaged
- the make, model, and the registration number (if it is still on the vehicle)
Photos can help us with our enquiries - but don't take photos if you feel it isn't safe.
Protecting your privacy - find out how we keep your information safe.
What happens next?
When you report an abandoned vehicle we will assess the vehicle and whether it meets the criteria for abandonment.
If we believe it has been abandoned, actions that can be taken include:
- a notice will be displayed on the vehicle to advise it will be removed (this give the opportunity to an owner to contact us to explain it is not abandoned)
- if no contact is received, the vehicle will be removed
We are unable to remove vehicles from private land without the permission of the landowner.
Investigation, removal and costs
The registered keeper can be required to pay removal, storage and disposal costs. They could be fined £200. The police could also take action for vehicles causing an obstruction or a danger to other road users.
Have you received an abandoned vehicle notice?
Contact us straight away to let us know if:
- the vehicle is not abandoned
- it has been moved
- it is no longer yours
You should let DVLA know if you no longer own the vehicle.
Park your vehicle legally
Make sure your vehicle is taxed and insured if you park it on the street or other public place. You can apply for a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) if you don't use your vehicle and it is kept off the road.
You might also be interested in:
We deal with abandoned vehicles under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 and other laws.
Find out about end of life vehicle regulations here.