Steps to Take When You Spot an Orange Tag on Your Windshield
What Does an Orange Tag on Your Car Mean?
Have you ever noticed a bright orange tag stuck on a car’s windshield or rear window and wondered what it means? These tags aren’t decoration—they carry an important message.
Why Do Authorities Place Orange Tags?
Local law enforcement places orange tags on vehicles deliberately. They target cars that appear abandoned, inoperable, or pose a hazard to the community. The main goal? To start the process of impounding these vehicles.
When Is a Car Considered Abandoned?
Rules vary by state and city, but common reasons for tagging a car as abandoned include:
-
Inoperable Condition: If a vehicle looks broken down, missing wheels, or suffers major damage, it may get tagged.
-
Long-Term Parking: Leaving a car parked in the same spot for days or weeks raises suspicion.
-
Safety Hazards: Cars that block traffic, cause danger, or sit in unsafe locations may be marked for removal.
How Quickly Can a Car Be Tagged?
Timing matters. Some states consider a vehicle abandoned after just 72 hours. Others allow a slightly longer window, but it’s generally a short timeframe. This means vehicle owners must act fast once they see a tag.
What Should You Do If You Find an Orange Tag?
Finding an orange tag can be stressful. However, taking the right steps helps you avoid further trouble:
-
Contact Authorities: Reach out to your local police or parking office immediately. Ask why your car was tagged and what you must do next.
-
Fix the Problem: Depending on the issue, you might need to repair your vehicle, move it, or follow specific local rules.
-
File an Appeal: If you think the tag was unfair, check if you can appeal. Prepare any proof you have to support your case.
Why Understanding Orange Tags Matters
Orange tags signal that a vehicle poses a problem, whether it’s abandoned, unsafe, or broken down. Since the timeline to act is often short, knowing what these tags mean and responding quickly can save you from losing your car. Stay informed, follow the proper steps, and keep your vehicle safe and legal.
It’s a sign from local law enforcement
You’ve probably seen or driven past a car with an orange tag on it at least once. Oftentimes, these cars are on the side of the road, or maybe even in someone’s yard. The orange tag may be on the windshield or rear window. It’s been put there by local law enforcement to mark a car that’s considered abandoned, inoperable, or hazardous and is due to be impounded. The laws for handling abandoned cars vary state by state, but an abandoned car might be impounded within just a few days after being marked with the orange tag. Impounded cars that are never claimed may even be sold at auction. Do you know what happens to all of the cars that never get sold?
How long can a car be left before it’s considered “abandoned”?
The laws for how long a car can be left on a street or highway before it is considered abandoned and tagged are different from state to state, but it may be as little as 72 hours. You can check for this kind of information on your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website. Sometimes, in bad-luck scenarios (like when someone’s car breaks down and they are forced to leave it), it may be gone when they return to retrieve it. If this happens to you, your best bet for finding your car is to call the nearest police department. They will be able to tell you where your car was towed. You will probably have to pay some fees to get it towed back to your home, or to a mechanic.
What to do if there’s an orange tag on your windshield
If your car has an orange tag on it, don’t panic. By law, there is a ten-day notification period, where the owner is sent a letter regarding the situation. The owner is then given ten days to move the vehicle. That might mean hiring a tow truck or making other arrangements, but that grace period means you have a little bit of time to figure out what to do. If your car’s a bit of a lemon, it might be worth spending some of that time researching reliable car brands for any future auto purchases.
If you see an orange tag on your car, don’t ignore it. Act quickly to protect your vehicle and avoid impoundment.