About the Abandoned Vehicle Section

The Abandoned Vehicle Section is responsible for removing abandoned and unregistered vehicles from the public streets and roadways.

The section assists private communities as well as commercial property owners in removing abandon vehicles.

The Abandoned Vehicle Section hosts a monthly auction selling seized and abandoned vehicles as well as miscellaneous property.

The Abandoned Vehicle Section manages the Police Towing Regulations and resolves complaints related to police ordered tows.

For more information, contact the Section at 301-840-2454. Recorded information and answers to frequently-asked-questions about the Section services are available 24-hours-a-day.

Abandoned Vehicles

The Abandoned Vehicle Section is responsible for removing abandoned, unregistered, and junk vehicles from county roads and community neighborhoods.

Private Community roads and parking lots must first be reported to your Homeowners Association (HOA), who will contact our office.

Commercial properties and private land owners may contact our office for removal of vehicles. The towing service must be paid by the property owner/commercial management company.

Police Auctions

The Abandoned Vehicle Section hosts a monthly auction to sell abandoned/seized vehicles and miscellaneous properties. 

The auctions are held on the fourth Saturday of each month. The gates open at 7:30 am and the Auction starts at 9:00 am.

You must have a valid ID to enter. All vehicles purchased must be paid for on the day of the auction. We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard as payment. Persons must be 18 and over to participate in the auction. Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds accompanied by parent/guardian and possessing valid license/learner's permit may enter.

Purchased vehicles must be removed on auction day or the following day (Sunday) or storage charges will incur.

Police Towing Supervisor

The Police Towing Supervisor manages the police towing regulations and the participating tow companies. All complaints regarding police tows will be handled by this unit.

Private/consensual tows and trespass tows are handled by the Office of Consumer Affairs (240-777-3636). The Police Towing Supervisor may be reached at 301-840-2308.

Hours of Operation

The Police Impound Lot: 580 Metropolitan Grove Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Gate - Monday thru Friday 7:00am - 4:00pm
Office - Monday thru Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm
The Police Impound Lot is closed on all county observed Holidays.

Police Auction:

4th Saturday - Gates open 7:30 am and close at 5:00 pm
Auction starts at 9:00 am until finished

Post Police Auction Vehicle Removal:

4th Sunday - Gates open 7:30 am and close at 2:30 pm

Release of Impounded Vehicles

All vehicles towed and stored at the Police Impound Lot are available for release during normal office hours, Monday thru Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm (closed county holidays).

Vehicles are released only to titled owners. Proof-of-ownership (title) and government issued identification is required prior to release.

Owners may authorize persons to claim vehicles. Requires authorization letter from owner that has been notarized detailing who has permission to claim the vehicle. 

• Unit Commander

• Police Tow Supervisor

• Lot Managers

• Abandoned Vehicle Enforcement
  Bethesda/Silver Spring Area
  Rockville/Wheaton Area
  Gaithersburg/Up County Area

• Office Manager

• Intake Official