About the Abandoned Vehicle Section

The Abandoned Vehicle Section (AVS) 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.

AVS hosts a monthly auction selling seized and abandoned vehicles.

The section manages the Police Towing Regulations and resolves complaints related to police ordered tows.

For more information, contact AVS at 240-773-6411. Recorded information and answers to frequently-asked-questions about AVS services are available 24-hours-a-day.  You can also send an e-mail to abandoned.vehicle@montgomerycountymd.gov.   

Click here to view a segment that Cable Montgomery filmed on the Abandoned Vehicle Section.  It's the second of 3 segments and begins around 9:30 on the clip.

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      NEXT AUCTION DATE:  APRIL 28, 2012

                                    The Abandoned Vehicle Section (AVS) hosts a monthly auction to sell abandoned/seized vehicles. 

The auctions are held on the fourth Saturday of each month. The gates open at 7:30 a.m. and the Auction starts at 9:00 a.m.  You must be admitted/registered before 9:00 a.m. to participate.  

You must have a valid ID to enter. All vehicles purchased must be paid for on the day of the auction. We accept cash, Discover Card, Visa, and 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.

All participants may view the selection of vehicles offered on the day of the auction, starting at 7:30 a.m.

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

Vehicles are sold as is.  No refunds. Caveat emptor (buyer beware).

 The following is a list of vehicles that are subject to being sold. THERE IS NO GUARANTEES THAT ALL OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD. ALL VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO WITHDRAWAL FROM THE SALE UP TO AND INCLUDING TIME OF AUCTION FOR ANY REASON. To see the auction list click here.

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.

FY2012 TOWING RATES

(JULY 2011 – JUNE 2012)

Note: The following is a partial list of towing fees.  These prices are not inclusive. There are different prices for different incidences.   These guidelines are for ordinary tows (not including medium and heavy duty vehicles).

• Direct tow of an abandon/stolen vehicle to impound yard                            $ 93
• Complete police tow                                                                                       $136
• Incomplete tow will be paid at a rate of 50% of the completed tow
• Winching per hour (30 minute minimum)                                                       $ 72
• Vehicles winched and not towed are charged at the towed rate
• Transfer to impound yard from tower’s storage lot/stations                         $ 61
• Storage per day at tower’s storage lot                                                           $ 56
• Storage per day at the impound yard                                                             $ 27

Private/consensual tows and trespass tows are handled by the Office of Consumer Affairs (240-777-3636).

Hours of Operation:

The Police Impound Lot: 305 Metropolitan Grove Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Gate - Monday thru Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Office - Monday thru Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Police Impound Lot is closed on all county observed Holidays.

Police Auction:

4th Saturday - Gates open 7:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m.
Auction starts at 9:00 a.m. until finished

Post Police Auction Vehicle Removal:

4th Sunday - Gates open 7:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m.

Vehicles not removed by Sunday are charged a daily storage rate. 

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 and proof of ownership (title). 

• Unit Commander

• Police Tow Supervisor

• Lot Managers

• Abandoned Vehicle Enforcement
   
  

• Office Manager

• Intake Official