# Transportation (GTR)

## Title 25. Vehicle Laws -- Respective Powers of State and Local Authorities; Disposition of Abandoned Vehicles

### Subtitle 2. Abandoned Vehicles

#### Section 25-201

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Abandoned vehicle" means any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer:

  (1) That is inoperable and left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours;

  (2) That has remained illegally on public property for more than 48 hours;

  (3) That has remained on private property for more than 48 hours without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property;

  (4) That has remained in a garage for more than 10 days after the garage keeper has given the owner of the vehicle notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, to remove the vehicle;

  (5) That has remained in a garage for more than 10 days after the period when, by contract, the vehicle was to remain in the garage;

  (6) That was left for more than 10 days in a garage by:

    (i) Someone other than its registered owner; or

    (ii) A person authorized to have possession of the vehicle under a contract of use, service, storage, or repair;

  (7) That has remained on public property for more than 48 hours and:

    (i) Is not displaying currently valid registration plates; or

    (ii) Is displaying registration plates of another vehicle;

  (8) That has been left unattended on any portion of a "controlled access highway" as defined in Sec. 8-101(f) of this article for more than 24 hours;

  (9) That has been left unattended on any portion of a primary or secondary highway or controlled access highway, as defined in Sec. 8-101 of this article, and is in violation of any of the provisions of Sec. 22-408 of this article; or

  (10) That is not reclaimed as provided under Sec. 16-303.1 of this article.

(c) "Garage" means any of the following, if operated for commercial purposes:

  (1) A parking place or establishment;

  (2) A vehicle storage facility; or

  (3) An establishment for the servicing, repair, or maintenance of vehicles.

(d)

  (1) "Lessor" means a person who regularly leases or offers to lease motor vehicles.

  (2) "Lessor" includes:

    (i) An assignee of leases; and

    (ii) A person who during any 12-month period offers to lease 5 or more motor vehicles or who is assigned 5 or more leases.

(e) "Police department" means:

  (1) The Department of State Police;

  (2) The police department of any political subdivision of this State;

  (3) In Baltimore City, the appropriate agency designated by the Board of Estimates;

  (4) The police forces of public colleges and universities;

  (5) In Prince George's County, an appropriate agency or department designated by the County Executive;

  (6) In any municipality in Prince George's County or Montgomery County, an appropriate agency or department designated by the governing body of the municipality; and

  (7) The police force of any State government agency.

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Md. Code Ann., Transp. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)