Is That a Car...or a Mysterious Metal Moose? How to Report Abandoned Vehicles in Georgia
Let's face it, we've all seen them. Cars parked on the side of the road that look like they haven't budged since the Flintstones were cruising in their rockmobiles. Maybe it's missing a tire, perhaps it's become a local jungle gym for particularly adventurous squirrels, but one thing's for sure: it's an abandoned vehicle and it's gotta go.
But before you channel your inner superhero and tow it away yourself (seriously, don't!), here's the lowdown on how to properly report an abandoned vehicle in Georgia.
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| How Do I Report An Abandoned Vehicle In Georgia |
Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters? No, Local Authorities!
This might seem obvious, but depending on where this mystery machine is parked, you'll need to contact the right folks.
Public Property: If the abandoned vehicle is chilling on a public street, side-walk, or park, then you'll want to contact your local law enforcement agency. They'll have a non-emergency number for these types of situations (because, let's be honest, who wants to deal with a grumpy police officer over a rogue rusty relic?).
Private Property: If the abandoned auto is parked on private property, like someone's driveway or lawn, then it gets a bit trickier. This usually falls under the jurisdiction of local code enforcement. They'll be the ones to wrangle the property owner into dealing with the derelict Dodge.
Pro Tip: Not sure who to call? Most city or county websites will have a handy dandy directory listing contact information for both law enforcement and code enforcement.
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
Paperwork? In This Digital Age? You Bet!
While we haven't quite reached flying cars yet (although with all these abandoned vehicles, maybe we should!), there is a little bit of paperwork involved. The good news? It's not rocket science.
Form MV-603: This is your knight in shining armor (or should we say, beat-up beater remover). It's a form called the Notice of Abandoned Vehicle and Request for Information, and you can download it from the Georgia Department of Revenue's website [Georgia Department of Revenue].
Fill 'er Up! Once you've snagged the form, you'll need to fill it out with all the juicy details about the abandoned auto. Think make, model, license plate number (if it's still there!), and the location of the vehicle. The more info you provide, the faster those wheels will be rolling away (to a junkyard, hopefully).
Submit, Submit, Submit! With your masterpiece of a form complete, you have a couple of options for submission. You can either head to your local county tag office or mail it in to the Motor Vehicle Division.
Remember: There might be a small fee associated with obtaining the owner's information through the Department of Revenue.
FAQ: Abandoned Auto Edition
Alright, alright, we know you have questions. Here's a quick rundown of some of the most frequently asked questions about reporting abandoned vehicles in Georgia:
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
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How long does a car need to be parked to be considered abandoned?
There's no magic number, but generally, if a car is inoperable, lacks a license plate, and hasn't moved in several days (think weeks or even months), it's fair game to report it.
How do I know if a car is stolen?
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
If you suspect a car is stolen, then don't mess around with paperwork! Contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.
What if the car is leaking fluids?
If you suspect the abandoned vehicle is leaking hazardous materials, contact your local environmental agency. Don't want any toxic surprises, do we?
Tip: Write down what you learned.
Can I tow the car myself?
Absolutely not! Leave the towing to the professionals. Messing with a potentially abandoned vehicle could land you in hot water.
What happens to the abandoned car after I report it?
Once the authorities are notified, they'll investigate and take the necessary steps to have the vehicle removed.
So there you have it! Reporting abandoned vehicles in Georgia: easier than parallel parking (hopefully!). Now go forth and conquer those mystery metal mooses!
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