# Transportation (GTR)

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

### Subtitle 2. Abandoned Vehicles

#### Section 25-207.1

(a) This section applies to any vehicle:

  (1) Which is impounded by a police department either as abandoned or pursuant to other State or local law;

  (2) From which the engine or vehicle serial number has been removed or defaced; and

  (3) Of which neither the owner nor any secured party can be identified from records of the Administration or other reasonable steps taken by the police department.

(b) The police department on whose authority the vehicle was impounded may apply to the Administration for an assignment of an identification number under Sec.Sec. 13-106.1 and 14-107 of this article.

(c) The police department on whose authority the vehicle was impounded may apply to the Administration for a certificate of title to a vehicle, and shall submit as evidence of ownership:

  (1) A copy of the return receipt or certified mail notice returned as undeliverable, received under Sec. 25-204 of this subtitle; or

  (2) A copy of the notice published under Sec. 25-205 of this subtitle.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 25-207 of this subtitle, the police department, after satisfying the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of this section, may retain and use the vehicle for public purposes.

(e) Any vehicle retained for use under this section:

  (1) May not be dismantled or disassembled for the purpose of using its component parts; and

  (2) When no longer usable for public purposes, shall be transferred by the police department to a scrap processor licensed under Sec. 15-502 of this article.

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