Under the PA Vehicle Code, an abandoned vehicle is defined as a vehicle which,

• is physically inoperable and left unattended on a highway or other public property for more than 48 hours; or
• has remained illegally on a highway or other public property for more than 48 hours; or
• is left unattended on or along a highway or other public property for more than 48 hours and does not bear all of the following: (a) a valid registration plate, (b) a current certificate of inspection or (c) an ascertainable vehicle identification number (VIN); or
• has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than 24 hours.

The Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit will investigate vehicles which fall under the abandoned vehicle criteria above, except for vehicles which are on private property. Removal of vehicles on private property shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner, lessee or person in control of said property. Download Factsheet disposal of abandoned vehicles from private property.