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A disabled vehicle can quickly become an abandoned one, especially on busy North Texas highways. Between possible repair bills, towing costs and storage fees, some drivers can't afford to immediately move their vehicle. In Dallas, this occurs often, but what happens when they disappear?
The process varies depending on where the vehicle was left, but state and local laws dictate the outcome. Understanding how long a car can be abandoned,, where it's taken and how long the driver has for retrieval can help North Texans avoid losing their vehicles altogether.
Here's what to know.
You leave your car. Now what?
If a person must leave their car, they should pull over to the side of the road and remove all valuables. Local law enforcement, or a roadside assistance service, can be called for help or to report a disabled vehicle. A bright orange sticker will be placed on the car's window as a notice for the owner to either retrieve the vehicle in a designated time frame or risk towing. A number is also listed on the sticker for extra assistance.,
"‘Abandoned' does not always mean ‘towed'," said Michael Rey, media relations manager for the North Texas Toll Authority. "There are times [when] drivers return to their vehicle within the 24 hour period."
A car is not considered abandoned unless it has been left unattended for more than 48 hours, according to Chapter 683 of the Texas Transportation Code. However, controlled-access sectors, such as highways and toll roads, require owners to reclaim their vehicle within 24 hours.
Rey said, if the vehicle presents a safety hazard, it can be removed immediately.
Where does your car go?
Depending on where the car was abandoned affects which law enforcement and transportation agencies are responsible. In non-controlled areas, such as city streets and county roads, car owners have 48 hours before their vehicle will be towed by a licensed towing company. These towing companies are partnered with the law enforcement or transportation agencies handling the case.
For example, if a car is towed by the Dallas Police Department, owners can retrieve their vehicle from the Dallas City Auto Pound at 1955 Vilbig Rd. If the owner is unsure where the car was towed to, they can call roadside assistance or the local law enforcement non-emergency line to check impound logs.
A towing company takes the car to a vehicle storage facility, which is required to contact the owner at least twice to inform them of the location of their car. A vehicle storage facility may consider a car abandoned if it has not been claimed 30 days after the second notice and the vehicle may be put up for auction, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
How can you get your car back?
After locating their vehicle's towing lot location, the car owner should gather necessary materials. Local law enforcement and transportation authorities urge vehicle owners to bring proof of ownership such as insurance, registration or car title. Owners must bring their drivers license and pay all fees before leaving the impound lot or vehicle storage facility.
Read this story on dallasnews.com
