Abandoned Vehicle Complaints
The New Britain Township Police Department's Highway Safety Unit (HSU) handles abandoned vehicle complaints, whether they are on public or private property.
- To report an abandoned vehicle on public property, any person may file the complaint electronically or in person.
- To report an abandoned vehicle on private property, the property owner or person in control of the property must obtain a PennDOT MV-952PP - Abandoned Vehicle on Private Property Report by Property Owner form from the police department. The form must then be completed and submitted to HSU. Once the form is received, HSU will begin the abandonment process. - Note: only the property owner or person in control of the property can complete the form.
According to the PA Vehicle Code, an abandoned vehicle is defined as:
"(1) A vehicle (other than a pedalcycle) shall be presumed to be abandoned under any of the following circumstances, but the presumption is rebuttable by a preponderance of the evidence:
(i) The vehicle is physically inoperable and is left unattended on a highway or other public property for more than 48 hours.
(ii) The vehicle has remained illegally on a highway or other public property for a period of more than 48 hours.
(iii) The vehicle is left unattended on or along a highway or other public property for more than 48 hours and does not bear all of the following:
(A) A valid registration plate.
(B) A current certificate of inspection.
(C) An ascertainable vehicle identification number.
(iv) The vehicle has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than 24 hours.
(v) The vehicle has remained on the private property of a salvor for 20 days.
(2) Vehicles and equipment used or to be used in construction or in the operation or maintenance of highways or public utility facilities, which are left in a manner which does not interfere with the normal movement of traffic, shall not be considered to be abandoned."
