Pennsylvania law Sections 7305-7307 outline procedures for notifying owners and lienholders of abandoned vehicles, including publication requirements, costs for reclaiming vehicles, and authorization for disposal if unclaimed. The law emphasizes notice by mail or publication and sets timelines for reclaiming or disposing of abandoned vehicles.
If the owner or lienholders cannot be identified, the law requires publication of a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where the vehicle was abandoned. This notice has the same effect as certified mail.
The owner or lienholder must pay towing and storage costs from the date the vehicle report was submitted, plus a $50 fee (with $25 sent to the department).
Owners and lienholders have 30 days from the date of notice, either by certified mail or publication, to reclaim the vehicle before it can be disposed of.
The Pennsylvania Department will authorize the disposal of the vehicle after the 30-day period, provided proper notice has been given and no reclamation has occurred.