What Happens When A Car Is Abandoned In Montana

We have all seen them, the cars sitting on the streets of Great Falls that clearly look abandoned.  They'll be covered in messages from window painting, or the bright orange or green super stickers that scream, "This car has been abandoned".

Just How Long is a Car Allowed To Sit Before the State of Montana Considers it Abandoned?

The following law enforcement agencies may take into custody any motor vehicle found abandoned for a period of 48 hours or more on  a public highway, or for a period of 5 days or more on a city street, public property, or private property:

Basically, you have 2 days to get your car off the highway, or 5 days to get it towed in town.

My Rig was Towed, What Happens Now?

You must reclaim it within 30 or the vehicle will be sold at public auction.  To do this, contact your sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office will make every reasonable attempt to find the registered owner of the vehicle.  After finding the owner or lienholder, they will send a letter with return receipt requested to notify the owner that the vehicle is in custody.  This will be mailed at least 30 days before the vehicle is sold.

How Do I Get My Rig Back?

You have to get a hold of the sheriff's office before it's sold.  You need to show proof of ownership and pay all costs incurred due to the abandonment. On a good note, that will not include storage costs for more than 90 days.