Report an abandoned vehicle and what we do with the information
Report an abandoned vehicle
You can report an abandoned vehicle using our online report form. You can now track the progress of your report through registering for our MyAccount service.
Registering for an account is easy and will allow you to securely access our services 24/7.
What you need to know to report an abandoned vehicle:
- location of vehicle
- vehicle registration number
- the colour, make and model
What we do?
We're responsible for the removal of abandoned vehicles and arrange for either their disposal or storage. The process for doing this is as follows:
Decide if a vehicle is abandoned
This is likely if at least one of the following applies:
- It has no keeper on DVLA’s database and is untaxed
- It is stationary for a significant amount of time
- It is significantly damaged, run down or unroadworthy, for example has flat tyres, missing wheels or broken windows
- Is burned out
- A number plate is missing
What happens next?
- We contact the DVLA, requesting the registered keeper details for the vehicle in question
- If the vehicle is classed as abandoned, the registered keeper will be sent a letter asking them to remove the vehicle themselves or face the investigation escalating
- If no response is received within 7 days, a formal removal notice is served to the vehicle
- If after another 7 days no response is received and the vehicle remains, the case is passed to Norfolk County Council who arrange collection, storage and/or disposal of the vehicle through their approved contractor
- Norfolk County Council try to trace the owner and recover the costs for the removal
Untaxed vehicles
You can report an untaxed vehicle on the highway via the Department for Transport website.