Dealing with an abandoned vehicle can be a complex issue. In New Jersey, a vehicle is legally considered abandoned if it remains in the same public location for at least three consecutive days and often shows signs of neglect, damage, or missing essential parts like engines, wheels, tires, or license plates. The specific procedures for handling these vehicles depend significantly on where the vehicle is found – be it on private property, public land, at a repair facility, or even if it’s an abandoned mobile home. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone needing to address an abandoned vehicle situation.
While this guide focuses on the procedures for dealing with abandoned vehicles, it’s important to remember the value of maintaining your own vehicle. Regular maintenance and knowing how to repair your car & 39 can prevent your vehicle from falling into disrepair and potentially being considered abandoned in the future.
Abandoned Vehicles on Private Property
If a vehicle is abandoned on your private property in New Jersey, state law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.6) dictates that it must be offered for public sale or auction. Should an auction not result in a sale, the property owner has the option to apply for a vehicle title in their own name.
For detailed guidance, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) provides a comprehensive packet titled “Procedures for Vehicles Abandoned on Private Property“. This packet includes essential forms (OS/SS-138, SS-58, DO-22, OS/SS-135, OS/SS-136, OS/SS-139, and OS/SS-140) across 16 pages. It’s vital to ensure you have all forms and pages if downloading. 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, reach out to the NJMVC using the contact details above. However, all original documents and required fees, payable to the NJMVC via check or money order, must be submitted by mail 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 legal framework (N.J.S.A.39:10A-1 through 39:10-7) mandates that these vehicles be either sold at public auction or scrapped. A junk title is only issued if the vehicle is inoperable or unsafe to repair unless the repair costs exceed the vehicle’s value.
The NJMVC offers “The Public Agency’s Guide to Abandoned & Unclaimed Vehicles” online, providing a guide for public agencies. This packet contains forms (OS/SS-322, OS/SS-89, OS/SS-87, Sample Bill of Sale, and Public Agency Checklist for Abandoned Vehicles) totaling six pages. Verify all pages are present upon download. For help, contact the MVC’s Abandoned Title Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5069 or email [email protected].
Packets can be requested via phone or email, but original paperwork and fees, payable to NJMVC, must be mailed 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)
If you are a business owner in New Jersey with an auto body repair facility, specific laws (N.J.S.A. 39:10A-9 et seq.) cover vehicles abandoned at your location. You are permitted to remove and store the vehicle, sell it privately or publicly, or apply for a junk title. A vehicle is considered abandoned if left for over 60 days without consent or for more than 60 days after repair completion notification.
The “Instructions for Disposal of Motor Vehicles Abandoned at New Jersey Repair Facilities” packet from the NJMVC guides you through this process. This extensive 17-page packet includes 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). Ensure you have all pages when downloading. For assistance, contact the MVC’s Abandoned Title Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5064 or [email protected].
To request the packet, call or email the NJMVC. However, all original paperwork and payments to NJMVC must be mailed 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
For abandoned mobile homes in New Jersey, the procedures are outlined in accordance with P.L. 1999 c.340, supplementing N.J.S.A. 2A:18-73 and N.J.S.A. 39:10-1 et seq. These instructions apply to tangible goods, chattels, manufactured or mobile homes, or personal property left by a tenant on a premise.
The “Instructions for Disposal of Abandoned Mobile Homes” packet is available from the NJMVC. This 10-page packet contains forms (OS/SS-120, DO-22, OS/SS-UTA, OS/SS-62, OS/SS-122, and OS/SS-121). Verify all pages are included when downloading. For help, contact the MVC’s Abandoned Title Unit at 609-292-6500 ext. 5069 or email [email protected].
Request packets via phone or email, but remember that original documents and fees payable to NJMVC need to be mailed to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Special Titles – Abandoned Title Unit
225 East State Street
PO Box 017
Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017
By understanding these procedures, residents and business owners in New Jersey can effectively manage situations involving abandoned vehicles, ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. Always refer to the official NJMVC documents and contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
