Understanding the rules around abandoned vehicles is crucial for New Jersey residents, business owners, and public agencies alike. New Jersey has specific legal definitions and procedures in place to manage vehicles left unattended, whether on private property, public streets, or even at auto repair facilities. This guide provides a detailed overview of what constitutes an abandoned vehicle in NJ and the steps to take depending on the vehicle’s location. For auto repair shop owners in New Jersey, understanding these procedures is a necessary part of business operations, even if the primary focus is on how much money their auto repair shop makes in New Jersey through regular services.
What Defines an Abandoned Vehicle in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, a vehicle is legally considered abandoned if it remains in the same public location for a minimum of three consecutive days. Often, these vehicles are easily identifiable by their condition, frequently exhibiting damage or missing essential components. This can include the engine, wheels, tires, or license plates.
The exact procedures for handling abandoned vehicles are determined by where the vehicle is located. This could be on private land, public property, at a vehicle repair facility, or even if it’s an abandoned mobile home. Each of these situations has its own set of rules and processes, as outlined by New Jersey law.
Abandoned Vehicles Located on Private Property
If a vehicle is abandoned on private property within New Jersey, the legal process is governed by N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.6. The law mandates that all vehicles abandoned on private property must be offered for public sale or auction. If an auction fails to result in a sale, the property owner has the option to apply for a vehicle title in their own name.
For detailed guidance, the Procedures for Vehicles Abandoned on Private Property document is available online. This packet includes essential forms such as OS/SS-138, SS-58, DO-22, OS/SS-135, OS/SS-136, OS/SS-139, and OS/SS-140, totaling 16 pages. When downloading, ensure all forms and pages are present. For assistance, contact the MVC’s Foreign Title Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5064 or via email at [email protected].
To request a packet by mail or email, you can also contact the MVC. However, all original paperwork and required fees must be submitted by mail. Payments should be made via checks or money orders payable to the NJMVC, following the fee amounts specified in the packet forms.
Submit the complete packet to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles – Foreign Title Unit
225 East State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017
Abandoned Vehicles on Public Property
For vehicles abandoned on public property in New Jersey, the procedure is dictated by N.J.S.A.39:10A-1 through 39:10-7. According to the law, these vehicles must be either sold at a public auction or processed as junk. A junk title is only issued if the vehicle is inoperable or cannot be safely repaired unless the repair costs exceed the vehicle’s value.
The Public Agency’s Guide to Abandoned & Unclaimed Vehicles provides comprehensive instructions and is accessible online. This packet includes forms OS/SS-322, OS/SS-89, OS/SS-87, a Sample Bill of Sale, and a Public Agency Checklist for Abandoned Vehicles, totaling six pages. Verify that you have all forms and pages upon downloading. For help, reach out to the MVC’s Abandoned Title Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5069, or email [email protected].
Packets can be requested via phone or email. However, all original documents and fees must be mailed to the NJMVC. Payments should be in the form of checks or money orders made out to NJMVC, as per the packet instructions.
Submit the packet to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles – Abandoned Title Unit
225 East State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017
Abandoned Vehicles at Auto Body Repair Facilities (For Business Owners)
New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:10A-9 et seq.) addresses the specific situation of vehicles abandoned at auto repair facilities. If a vehicle is left at your repair shop, you are legally permitted to have it removed and stored. Furthermore, you have options to sell the vehicle either in a public or private sale, or to apply for a junk title. This is particularly relevant for businesses concerned with operational efficiency and, indirectly, factors that influence how much money an auto repair shop in New Jersey can make.
A vehicle is considered abandoned at a repair facility if it has been left for more than 60 days without your consent, or for more than 60 days after you have notified the owner that the repairs are complete.
The Instructions for Disposal of Motor Vehicles Abandoned at New Jersey Repair Facilities document offers detailed steps and is available online. This packet contains forms OS/SS-358, DO-22, OS/SS-21, OS/SS-357, OS/SS-135A, OS/SS-321, OS/SS-94, OS/SS-323, and OS/SS-324, totaling 17 pages. Ensure you have all forms and pages when downloading. For assistance, contact the MVC’s Abandoned Title Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5064 or email [email protected].
To request a packet by mail or email, contact the MVC. However, remember that all original paperwork and fees must be submitted via mail. Payments should be made through checks or money orders to NJMVC, as detailed in the packet.
Submit the packet to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles – Abandoned Title Unit
225 East State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017
Abandoned Mobile Homes
The regulations for abandoned mobile homes in New Jersey pertain to tangible goods, chattels, manufactured or mobile homes, and other personal property left behind by a tenant. These guidelines are in accordance with P.L. 1999 c.340 and supplement N.J.S.A. 2A:18-73 and N.J.S.A. 39:10-1 et seq.
The Instructions for Disposal of Abandoned Mobile Homes are available online, providing detailed procedures. The packet includes forms OS/SS-120, DO-22, OS/SS-UTA, OS/SS-62, OS/SS-122, and OS/SS-121, totaling 10 pages. Verify that you have all forms and pages upon download. For assistance, contact the MVC’s Abandoned Title Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5069 or email [email protected].
You can request to have a packet mailed or emailed to you by contacting the MVC. However, all original paperwork along with the necessary fees must be sent by mail. Ensure payments are made via checks or money orders to NJMVC, following the instructions in the packet.
Submit the packet to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles – Abandoned Title Unit
225 East State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017
