The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department reminds motorists of Indiana's abandoned vehicle law, which changed July 1. When deputies locate an unattended motor vehicle on US highways, state highways, county roads or city streets the deputy will place a red tag on the unoccupied vehicle. The tag contains the license plate number of the vehicle, the date and time the tag was placed on the vehicle.
Many times a vehicle may be abandoned or left unattended because of mechanical problems. During hunting season, troopers see an increase of unattended vehicles parked on the public road right of way. The deputy can only assume the vehicle is abandoned and follows the procedures as previously stated. In all cases, the deputy checks the vehicle for occupants, particularly in the winter.
Hunters should park their vehicle on private property, with the property owner's permission. The law requires that abandoned vehicles located on public roads be removed within 24 hours, and 48 hours on private property without the consent of the property owner. Additionally, if a vehicle is located on a roadway in such a manner that constitutes a hazard or obstruction to the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a public right of way, the vehicle will be removed immediately. There are other situations that a vehicle will be removed such as, expired or no registration plates, or the vehicle is reported stolen and abandoned.
If the vehicle is not removed, the law requires a law enforcement officer to have the vehicle towed. This will be at the vehicle owner's expense.
