Abandoned Vehicles - Frequently-Asked-Questions

1. What constitutes an abandoned vehicle?
2. How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
3. What about abandoned vehicles on private property?
4. My car has been tagged, what will happen now?
5. Tow Companies
6. Where has my car been towed?
7. Can I get my stuff out of the car?
8. How do I file a complaint?

Any vehicle that has been parked or left standing upon a public way for a period in excess of 24 hours without authorization by a statute or local ordinance may be removed. The continuity of the time shall not be deemed broken by movement of the vehicle elsewhere on the block unless the movement removes the vehicle from the block where it is located before it is returned.    A parking citation will be issued and/or a notice is affixed to the vehicle stating that the vehicle will be towed in 24 hours if not removed.  After the 24-hour period expires, a tow company will be dispatched to remove the vehicle.

If a vehicle meets the above listed criteria, contact the Canby Police Department Records Department at (503) 266-1104 to report it. You will need to provide the call taker with:

• A description of the vehicle
• License plate or VIN
• Location
• How long it has been there
• Your name and a contact phone number or address

You must provide your name and a contact phone number or address, or we cannot process your complaint. This information will be kept confidential.

ORS 98.830 states that a person who is the owner, or in lawful possession, of private property may remove an abandoned vehicle if:

1. The person affixes a notice to the vehicle stating that the vehicle will be towed if it is not removed.   This notice must remain on the vehicle 72 hours prior to removal of the vehicle.
2. The person notifies the local law enforcement agency of the intent to have the vehicle towed.
3. The person fills out and signs a letter that includes a description of the vehicle, the location the vehicle will be towed from, and a statement that the person has complied with #1 and #2 above.

ORS 98.835 provides immunity from civil liability for towing the abandoned vehicle if the person has and keeps the letter described in #3

You have 24 hours from when the car was tagged to remove it from the public right-of-way. If it is still on the right-of-way beyond that, it will be subject to towing. If it is towed, a lien will attach to the vehicle for the tow company’s towing and storage charges. If you do not reclaim it within a specific time period, it will be disposed of or sold according to law.

The tow companies are dispatched by Professional Dispatch Services, Inc. (PDSI) located in Sherwood, Oregon. When an officer requests an impound tow, the Clackamas County Dispatch Center will contact PDSI.   The tow companies are on a rotation list for each district.

Call the Canby Police Department Records Department at (503) 266-1104. They will be able to tell you which tow company has your vehicle. The tow company will require proof of ownership and payment of towing and storage charges before they will release the vehicle.

If your vehicle was towed at the cities request from public property, you have 15 days from the date of the tow to retrieve your personal belongings from the vehicle without paying towing or storage costs. This does not include anything that is attached to the vehicle.

You have the right to request a hearing if your vehicle was towed, or has been tagged to be towed as an abandoned vehicle. Your request must be in writing and be within 5 days of the date the vehicle was tagged. You must also state the grounds upon which you believe the tow is not justified. Send it to Canby Police Department, Attn. Abandoned Vehicle Hearings Officer, 122 N. Holly, Canby OR 97013.

Contact Information