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FAQ
  Vehicles
Can I be ticketed for abandoning a vehicle?
 
Answer:

Yes. Under Michigan law (MCL 257.252a), a person shall not abandon a vehicle in this state.  It is presumed the last titled owner of the vehicle is responsible for abandoning the vehicle unless the person provides a record of sale. If the owner of an abandoned vehicle fails to redeem it before the public auction or other disposition of the vehicle under MCL 257.252g he or she is responsible for a civil infraction and may be subject to a civil fine of $50 plus costs, state assessments and other statutory penalties.

 

A person who abandons a motor vehicle may also be found responsible for littering under the Natural Resources and Environment Protection Act [MCL 324.8905a(4)]. This is a state civil infraction subject to a civil fine from $500 to $2,500 plus costs, state assessments and other statutory penalties. The penalty for abandoning a second vehicle is a civil fine from $1,000 to $5,000 plus costs, state assessments and other statutory penalties. The definition of litter does not include trailers or trailer coaches.

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