Removing abandoned vehicle from private property

The rules in Oregon for towing an abandoned vehicle on private property are determined by statute.

Oregon Revised Statute (“ORS”) 98.830 Towing abandoned vehicle from private property; conditions; immunity from civil liability; lien for towage. (1) A person who is the owner, or is in lawful possession, of private property on which a vehicle has been abandoned may have a tower tow the vehicle from the property if:

(a) The person affixes a notice to the vehicle stating that the vehicle will be towed if it is not removed;

(b) The notice required by paragraph (a) of this subsection remains on the vehicle for at least 72 hours before the vehicle is removed; and

(c) The person fills out and signs a form that includes:

(A) A description of the vehicle to be towed;

(B) The location of the property from which the vehicle will be towed; and

(C) A statement that the person has complied with paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection.

(2) A tower who tows a vehicle pursuant to this section is immune from civil liability for towing the vehicle if the tower has a form described in subsection (1) of this section, filled out by a person purporting to be the owner or a person in lawful possession of the private property from which the vehicle is towed. This subsection does not grant immunity for any loss, damage or injury arising out of any negligent or willful damage to, or destruction of, the vehicle that occurs during the course of the towing.

(3) A tower is entitled to a lien on a vehicle towed under this section and its contents for the tower’s just and reasonable charges. The tower may retain possession of the towed vehicle and its contents until the just and reasonable charges for the towage, care and storage have been paid if the tower complies with the requirements of ORS 98.812 (2).

(4) The lien created by subsection (3) of this section may be foreclosed only in the manner provided by ORS 87.172 (3) and 87.176 to 87.206 for foreclosure of liens arising or claimed under ORS 87.152. [1995 c.758 §1; 2007 c.538 §12; 2017 c.480 §4]

The statute is fairly clear. I recommend my clients take photos of any notice they affix to assist in proving cases in court, should it become necessary.