What is an abandoned vehicle?
Per Iowa Code, an abandoned vehicle is defined as one of the following:
- A vehicle that has been unlawfully parked on private property, or placed on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than 24 hours.
- A vehicle left unattended on public property for more than 24 hours and lacks:
- Current registration plates or
- Two or more wheels or other parts which renders the vehicle totally inoperable.
- A vehicle that has remained parked illegally on public property for more than 24 hours.
- A vehicle that has been legally impounded by order of a police authority and has not been reclaimed for 10 days. (However, a police authority may declare the vehicle abandoned within 10 days by commencing the notification process).
- Any vehicle parked on the highway determined by a police authority to create a hazard to other vehicle traffic.
- A vehicle that has been impounded under section 321J.4B (OWI sections) by court order and whose owner has not paid the impoundment fees after notification by the person or agency responsible for carrying out the impoundment order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Forms Used in Processing Abandoned Vehicles
- Form 411163 - Certificate of Disposal of an Abandoned Vehicle. This is a three-part form to be used by the police authority for the disposal of abandoned vehicles. These forms are only made available to a police authority and may be obtained by calling the Central Programs Bureau at 515-237-3156 or email county.vehicle@iowadot.us. The forms are available electronically in a fillable format at the election of the requesting police authority.
- Form 411185 - Certificate of Disposal of an Abandoned Vehicle by Private Entity When Employed by a Private Property Owner
- Form 411090 - Abandoned Vehicle Report. This form includes claims for reimbursement of the towing expense when a police authority employs a private entity. Also, used for turn-in of excess proceeds. The form can be printed, completed by hand, and mailed to the Central Programs Bureau or completed online, printed, and mailed to the Central Program Bureau.
- Form 411104 - Application for Authority to Transfer a Vehicle to a Demolisher. Front side of the form is completed by an individual to apply for authority to transfer a vehicle to a demolisher. Back side of the form is completed by a demolisher to apply for a certificate of authority to demolish a vehicle.
- Form 411077 - Odometer Disclosure Statement. This form is required when a vehicle, model year 2011 or newer, is sold at public auction by police authority or private entity.