Sending a certified letter for an abandoned vehicle is a critical legal step before having it removed. A formal sample letter to the owner of an abandoned vehicle establishes a paper trail and demonstrates you’ve acted in good faith.
Whether you need a vehicle removal from property letter template or a specific abandoned vehicle certified letter example, these formats provide the necessary language to protect yourself and comply with local regulations.
Sample Letter to Owner of Abandoned Vehicle
[Your Full Name/Property Management Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL – RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
[Registered Owner’s Name]
[Registered Owner’s Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: OFFICIAL NOTICE TO REMOVE ABANDONED VEHICLE
Property Address: [Address Where Vehicle is Located]
Vehicle Details: [Make, Model, Color], VIN: [Vehicle VIN], License Plate: [Plate Number]
Dear [Registered Owner’s Name],
This letter serves as a formal, legal notification that your vehicle, as described above, has been deemed abandoned on private property located at [Address Where Vehicle is Located].
The vehicle has been left stationary and unattended since on or about [Date Vehicle Was First Noticed].
You are hereby required to remove this vehicle from the property within [Number of Days, e.g., 10, 15, 30 – check local laws] calendar days from the date of this letter.
If you fail to remove the vehicle by [Specific Deadline Date], it will be towed and impounded at your sole expense, in accordance with [State/City] law. You will be responsible for all towing and storage fees. We also reserve the right to file for a lien against the vehicle.
Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] to arrange for the immediate removal of your vehicle.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Property Owner/Manager
Abandoned Vehicle Certified Letter Example
Subject: Final Notice Regarding Abandoned Vehicle – License Plate [Plate Number]
Dear [Registered Owner’s Name],
This certified letter is your final notice regarding your abandoned vehicle, a [Make, Model], located at [Property Address]. As per our previous attempts to contact you, the vehicle remains illegally parked on private property.
You have [Number of Days] days to remove the vehicle. Failure to comply by [Deadline Date] will result in the vehicle being towed at your expense, and we will pursue all available legal remedies to recover associated costs.
Certified Letter for Abandoned Vehicle
Subject: Legal Notice of Intent to Tow Abandoned Vehicle, VIN: [Vehicle VIN]
Dear [Registered Owner’s Name],
Please be advised that this letter constitutes a legal notice under [Cite local ordinance or state statute, e.g., “State Vehicle Code §12345”]. Your [Make, Model] vehicle has been identified as abandoned on private property.
If the vehicle is not removed from [Property Address] within [Number of Days] days of your receipt of this certified notice, it will be removed by [Towing Company Name] and stored at your cost. We will not be held responsible for any damage or loss.
Vehicle Removal From Property Letter Template
Subject: Demand for Immediate Removal of Vehicle
To the Registered Owner of [Make, Model], License Plate [Plate Number]:
You are hereby notified to immediately remove your vehicle from the premises of [Property Address]. Your vehicle is trespassing on private property.
If the vehicle is not removed within [e.g., 48 hours, 72 hours], it will be towed away without further notice. All costs associated with the removal and storage will be your responsibility. This letter serves as your only warning.
Tips for Writing an Abandoned Vehicle Letter
Check Your Local Laws and Ordinances First
Before you take any action, your first step must be to research your state and city’s specific laws regarding abandoned vehicles on private property. These laws are not uniform and will dictate the entire process. They will specify how long a vehicle must be present before it’s legally considered abandoned, the exact number of days’ notice you must provide the owner, whether the notice must be sent by certified mail, and the steps you must take to identify the legal owner through the DMV. Failure to follow these procedures precisely can expose you to liability for wrongful towing.
Be Specific, Factual, and Keep Records
Your written notice is a legal document, so it must be accurate and detailed. Include as much information as possible to identify the vehicle: the make, model, color, license plate number, and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can usually be seen through the windshield. Clearly state the address where the vehicle is located and the date you first observed it. Keep a copy of the letter you send, your certified mail receipt, and any photos you have of the vehicle on your property. This documentation is your proof that you followed the correct procedure.
Clearly State the Consequences and Deadline
The purpose of the letter is to compel the owner to act. Therefore, you must be unambiguous about the consequences of inaction. State clearly that if the vehicle is not removed by a specific date, it will be towed at the owner’s expense. Mention that the owner will be responsible for all towing and storage fees. This clarity not only motivates the owner but also protects you by showing that you provided a fair warning of the impending actions.
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