Abandoned vehicles

Before you make a report, look for these signs that a vehicle may be abandoned:

• flat or missing tyres/wheels
• litter or leaves underneath, suggesting it has not moved
• broken windows or windscreen
• missing number plates
• rubbish inside, such as old newspapers or tyres
• missing or damaged parts, like the bumper, seats, or radio

Vehicles that are not considered abandoned

Some vehicles may appear abandoned but are not. These include vehicles that are:

• owned by someone living nearby
• fully taxed
• causing a nuisance but not abandoned
• being sold on the street as part of a business
• involved in a local parking dispute
• poorly parked or causing an obstruction
• untaxed
• broken down

Vehicles causing an obstruction or traffic issue should be reported to Police Scotland on 101.

What you will need to report it

Have this information ready:

• registration number, colour, make, model
• exact location: street name, town, and any nearby landmarks
• vehicle condition

You can use the report abandoned vehicle form to submit details.

What happens next

After you submit a report:

• we contact the police to confirm ownership and check if the vehicle is stolen or linked to a crime
• vehicles that are dangerous or blocking access may be removed sooner
• only the police can immediately tow a vehicle causing a danger or obstruction
• this process may take time

Removal and charges

If a vehicle is confirmed as abandoned, it is taken to a vehicle pound. A fee applies if the owner wants to retrieve it.