How to Remove an Abandoned Car From Your Property in South Carolina

What you can do about an abandoned car on your land

If a car has been sitting on your private property without permission or payment, South Carolina law gives you the right to remove it — but the process depends on whether you own the land outright, whether the car's owner is known, and how long it has been there. You cannot simply tow it away; you must follow specific steps to avoid liability if the vehicle is damaged or if the owner later sues. The fastest legal route is usually to contact a towing company that handles abandoned vehicles, but they will ask you to prove the car meets the state's definition of abandoned and that you have the right to have it removed.

South Carolina defines an abandoned vehicle as one that has been left on property for at least 10 days without the owner's permission, with no current registration or license plate, or with a registration that expired more than 60 days ago. If the car does not meet these criteria, the owner still has legal rights to it, and removing it without following the proper notice process can expose you to a lawsuit for conversion (taking someone else's property).

Key Takeaways

• South Carolina requires you to give written notice to the vehicle owner at least 10 days before removal, unless the car has no license plate or the registration is expired by more than 60 days.
• You must post a notice on the vehicle itself and, if you can identify the owner, send notice by certified mail to the address on the registration.
• If you cannot identify the owner or locate them, you can proceed with removal after posting notice and waiting the required time period.
• A licensed towing company will handle the removal and storage, but you may be responsible for towing and storage fees unless you pursue a lien against the vehicle.
• Contact your local police department or the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles if you need help identifying the owner or understanding your rights.

How to identify the owner and give legal notice

Start by checking the vehicle's license plate and registration if you can see them. Write down the plate number and take photos of the car from multiple angles, including any visible damage. If the plate is missing or obscured, note that in your records.

Contact your local police department's non-emergency line and provide the plate number. They can run the registration through the Department of Motor Vehicles and tell you who owns the vehicle. Some departments will do this over the phone; others may require you to file a report in person. Keep a copy of any report number or written response you receive — this documents your effort to locate the owner.

Once you have the owner's name and address, send a certified letter to that address stating that the vehicle is on your property, that it appears abandoned, and that you intend to have it removed if it is not collected within 10 days. Include your contact information and the date by which the owner must respond. Keep the certified mail receipt as proof you sent the notice.

At the same time, post a written notice directly on the vehicle itself — tape it to the driver's side window or under the windshield wiper. The notice should include the same information: your name, the date, the deadline for removal, and your contact number. Take a photo of the posted notice as evidence.

When you can skip the notice requirement

If the vehicle has no license plate, or if the registration is expired by more than 60 days and there is no current plate, you may proceed with removal without sending individual notice to the owner. You still must post a notice on the vehicle itself and wait at least 10 days before having it towed, but you do not need to locate and mail notice to the registered owner.

If the vehicle is actively blocking your driveway, preventing access to utilities, or creating a safety hazard, contact your local police department. They may be able to expedite removal or issue a citation to the owner if they can be located. Document the hazard with photos and dates.

Hiring a towing company and paying for removal

Once the notice period has passed, contact a licensed towing company in your area and explain the situation. Provide them with the vehicle's location, plate number, and proof that you posted notice (your photos). Ask whether they handle abandoned vehicle removals and what their fees are for towing and daily storage.

The towing company will tow the vehicle to their storage lot. You will be responsible for the towing fee (typically $150 to $400 depending on distance) and daily storage fees (usually $20 to $50 per day). These costs add up quickly, especially if the vehicle sits in storage for weeks or months while the owner is located.

Before you authorize removal, ask the towing company whether they will attempt to locate the owner and whether they can place a lien on the vehicle to recover towing and storage costs. Some companies do this automatically; others require you to file the lien yourself through the Department of Motor Vehicles. A lien means the owner cannot sell or register the vehicle until the towing and storage fees are paid.

Filing a lien to recover your costs

South Carolina allows you to file a lien against an abandoned vehicle to recover towing and storage costs. To do this, you must have the vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number), which is on the dashboard or door jamb. The towing company can provide this if you do not have it.

Contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and ask for information on filing a lien for abandoned vehicle removal. You will need to provide the VIN, the vehicle's license plate number, the date the vehicle was removed, and documentation of the costs you paid. The DMV will record the lien, which means the owner cannot register, sell, or transfer the vehicle without paying the lien amount first.

A lien does not may provide you will recover the money — it simply gives you a legal claim against the vehicle. If the owner never attempts to register or sell the car, you may never collect. However, if the owner does try to use the vehicle later, they will be forced to settle the lien before they can proceed.

What to do if the owner contacts you

If the owner reaches out after you have posted notice but before removal, you can negotiate. Some owners will arrange to pick up the vehicle immediately if given a deadline. Others may ask you to hold the vehicle for a few more days while they arrange transportation.

If you agree to delay removal, get that agreement in writing via email or text message, including the new deadline. If the owner does not meet the new deadline, you can proceed with removal without sending another notice period.

If the owner claims they have permission to park on your property, ask them to provide written proof — a lease, rental agreement, or email from you granting permission. If no such proof exists and the vehicle has been there for more than 10 days, you have the right to remove it regardless of what the owner claims.

If the vehicle is on rented or leased property

If you rent or lease the land where the abandoned car is parked, check your lease or rental agreement before taking action. Some landlords prohibit tenants from removing vehicles without permission, or they may require the landlord to handle the removal. Contact your landlord or property manager before posting notice or hiring a towing company.

If the landlord refuses to address the abandoned vehicle, you may have grounds to break your lease or withhold rent, depending on the terms of your agreement and South Carolina tenant law. Consult a local tenant rights organization or attorney before taking that step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tow the car immediately if it is blocking my driveway?

No — you must still post notice and wait 10 days unless the vehicle has no license plate or an expired registration. However, if the car is actively blocking emergency access, contact your local police department. They may be able to have it towed as a traffic hazard without the 10-day wait.

What if I cannot find the owner's address?

If the police department cannot locate the owner through the registration, or if the address on file is no longer valid, you have still made a good-faith effort. Post notice on the vehicle itself, wait 10 days, and proceed with removal. Keep documentation of your attempt to locate the owner in case the owner later disputes the removal.

Who pays for towing and storage if the owner is never found?

You pay the towing and storage fees upfront. You can file a lien against the vehicle to recover these costs, but if the owner never attempts to register or sell the car, you may not recover the money. Some people choose to donate the vehicle to a charity or scrap yard after a certain period to avoid ongoing storage fees.

Can the owner sue me for removing their car?

If you follow the notice requirements and wait the required time period, your risk of a successful lawsuit is very low. Keep all documentation — photos of the posted notice, copies of certified mail, police reports, and towing receipts. This evidence shows you acted in accordance with South Carolina law.

What if the towing company damages the car during removal?

The towing company carries liability insurance for damage caused during towing. If the car is damaged, the owner can file a claim against the towing company's insurance. You are generally not liable for damage caused by a licensed towing company acting on your behalf, as long as you hired a reputable, insured company.