After how long is a car considered abandoned and can be towed?

A vehicle is typically considered abandoned after a period of 24 hours. This timeframe allows for situations where a car might have temporarily stopped or been left due to circumstances like mechanical failure, a flat tire, or a short-term parking situation. If a vehicle remains in the same location for 24 hours without movement, it is deemed abandoned under most traffic regulations. This approach helps ensure that law enforcement can manage and address vehicles that pose safety risks or obstruct traffic flow without prematurely removing vehicles that might be temporarily stationary.

In contrast, a shorter period, like 12 hours, might not give vehicle owners enough time to rectify minor issues that could cause a temporary cessation of movement. Similarly, longer periods such as 48 or 72 hours could lead to blocking valuable parking spaces or interfering with traffic longer than necessary, thus leading to increased congestion and safety concerns. This 24-hour standard balances the need for public safety and the rights of vehicle owners.