ULPT Request: Can I legally seize an abandoned vehicle parked in my driveway?
Posted by DifficultEvent2026@reddit | UnethicalLifeProTips | View on Reddit | 345 comments
I come home Thursday to find some flagging truck parked in my driveway. After 48hr, yesterday, I call the number on the truck and report it telling them to get it off of my driveway. I even specify I do not want whoever to parked it there to get in trouble, if they had asked I might not have even had a problem with it, I just want it off of my driveway, I do not know who they are or why it's there. It's clearly a private driveway. They apologize and say they'll send someone to remove it. Today it is still there and before I call the police and have it towed I realized hey, I'd appreciate a new truck. Is it possible to seize this vehicle and take ownership?
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
This seems to be the relevant law in my state in question, as best I can understand it I would need to have the DMV send a certified letter and then after 15 days I can take ownership if it's not removed. I'm not positive on this though and don't want to go through the effort unless I'm correct.
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title46.2/chapter12/article1/
captfattymcfatfat@reddit
Holy shit that is crazy
HaggisInMyTummy@reddit
there is no possible way you can get title to a truck that was left on your property on Thursday and it's only Sunday. Most companies work M-F and if they couldn't do it Friday then tomorrow is the earliest day they can deal with it. I'm assuming that it was left Thursday night, and by then all their people had work orders for Friday so that was not feasible to pick up.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I don't expect to get the title tomorrow. As far as I can tell it'll take 15 days.
BetterthanU4rl@reddit
Schrader valve removal tool. Do it. Add days.
RusticBucket2@reddit
You’re replying to a comment outlining exactly how he can take title, and you’re disagreeing with what?
Xanxth1@reddit
It’s called a lien sale.
There are companies that will do all the work for you too :)
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
What are these companies called?
Xanxth1@reddit
Lien sale processor I saw one on google called Lewis lien sales
unwittyusername42@reddit
If I'm reading through the whole law correctly, you need to serve such notice but in conjunction with the police or applicable 'department' after it has been onsite for 48 hours. After that it would go to government auction and only after that, if it was not sold at the auction, you could pay the title transfer and whatever additional fees there would be to transfer the vehicle to your name.
Protip - it would sell at auction although obviously you could bid on it and potentially get a decent price.
The other idea about sending an invoice is one that would be fun to try and see if they just pay it because they might, but even if you had a sign made, it's unlikely it would hold in civil court because the defense would ask to see a receipt for the sign, when it was put in place, why there would be a sign at a random driveway for parking right at the same time a truck was parked there etc.
Best thing, if it's been 48 hours plus, call the police to have it towed and send an invoice for fun.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
The auction thing is what was confusing me as well, but I'm wondering if that's only for public property or businesses. Legally the state cannot even tow it off of my property without written permission from me or the permission of the owner of the vehicle.
Another reason I question this is because my dad had an instance where someone left a boat and trailer at his house for over a year and he was going to take ownership having independently looked into this as well and coming to the same conclusion. I have also heard of other people doing similar things as though it's common knowledge although I have no concrete 1st hand anecdotes to confirm that's true.
I'm not sure if I'll actually go as far as civil court, right now I'm having fun with the situation and that might become more trouble than it's worth but if I do I do not necessarily intend to sue for the bill unless I call them to strengthen that legal argument (eg "your vehicle has been here for 4 days now after informing you to remove it. By leaving it here further I will take that as your explicit agreement to pay a rate of $X per day/hour for the usage of my driveway").
Otherwise my strategy if I did go to court would probably be to sue for "private nuisance" for using their property to deprive me of the usage of my property.
unwittyusername42@reddit
Yeah, don't do courts. It's just going to waste time and money. The invoice thing would just be fun because you could list it as "vehicular storage fees misc" or something, put the date range in, use a standard ms word invoice template and see what happens. If they don't pay DO NOT waste your time or money on court - it's not worth it.
I'm not a lawyer but have read a ton of legalese over the years in sales and reading it quick I believe the auction applies to both public and private property as earlier it specifically spells out public and private but lists them as equivalent in how the law is carried out just with some differences in that if you are a parking lot you can charge for parking with posted signage etc.
I don't think private nuisance would work. That's generally for things like noises or smells that mess up the enjoyment of your property, not physical incursion.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I'll look into this more. If there's no ability to obtain the property without going through auction I'll try to work the billing angle more
licensed2ill2@reddit
Might as well get the process started but I doubt a company will just forget a truck for several weeks. Probably the worker got fired for being an idiot and they will be looking for the truck very soon. Please update here with results!
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Probably not, but it seems like a high reward low risk gamble if I'm understanding the law right, which I may not be. They know exactly where the truck is because I called them yesterday and told them to remove it. It's been parked there since Thursday so I figure if it's still there tomorrow evening it's fair to say it's not a neighbor simply off for the weekend and it could be sitting for a time making it worthwhile. As someone else suggested I'm going to track how long it's there and send them an appropriate parking bill if it does get moved too.
Character_Ad8546@reddit
Also be careful considering which avenue you want to take. If you attempt to charge them for parking then it will very likely negate your stake to claim the vehicle as abandoned on personal property, since you've now offered your driveway as a parking service. I'd choose one or the other to prevent legal conflicts - parking fine has better odds of success, but a low reward. Claiming the vehicle is probably really low odds, but if you actually get a truck....wow!
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I plan to track how long it's here, pursue ownership of the vehicle, and then if they come get the vehicle before the necessary window closes I will send them a bill for the usage of my driveway. If it's still here later today I will call the police to start documenting it and begin the process, I'll find out then how my plan holds up legally in their eyes. Worst case they further pester the company to remove it after which I send them a bill and see if they'll pay. The police cannot legally tow it off of private property without permission from me or the owner of the vehicle.
barenutz@reddit
What kind of business is it? Their dispatch may not be able to grab it until Monday. They assume you’ll just wait like you have until someone is on the clock to go get it. It’s not inconveniencing them and you’re not a customer so basically you get to wait til either you do something about it or it’s convenient for them.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
A flagging company, I assume for marking property lines. If they get it tomorrow I'll just bill them for the 4 days then, weekend rates are higher.
GrowlingPict@reddit
lol, I cant be the only one who had a completely different image in mind when reading the words "flagging truck"
https://www.easthamptonstar.com/sites/default/files/Vils_TrumpParadeKuntz2675.jpg
pinkocatgirl@reddit
I sometimes wonder how much I could make if I started an Amazon drop shipping Trump flag business
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
ROFL. Maybe I should decorate it in the meantime.
RusticBucket2@reddit
Yeah. At this point, they are the customer. Get ‘em, OP.
saraphilipp@reddit
Or got locked up and tried to avoid a tow.
Hildedank@reddit
That’s about how it is in PA. My ex tried to leave her pos cobalt in my driveway and after a month I told her to come get it or I’m claiming it and scrapping it. She got it but broke down like 4 times driving home.
QP873@reddit
Update us in 16 days!
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Will do. Whether I get $0 or a truck out of this I'll be sure to post an update. I didn't expect this to get so much attention. Even if they end up moving it tomorrow I plan to send an invoice for the use of my driveway.
QP873@reddit
u/remindme! 15 days
5141121@reddit
Worst case, the letter they get from the DMV will prompt someone to "oh shit, we should go get that truck"
MadLabRat-@reddit
Start the process ASAP
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
If it's still there tomorrow afternoon I plan to. I figure that's 2 full business days as well as the weekend making it likely it could be there the necessary 15 days after that and I'll have then given them a reasonable amount of time as well before I start the process. It doesn't seem wise to rush off to the DMV first thing Monday morning if there's a good chance they'll get it later that day being the first business day since I told the company to move it.
RusticBucket2@reddit
Yeah. Just get to the DMV some time tomorrow. That will be the date of the notice, I assume.
samwoo2go@reddit
Try it. Commenting for follow up
rrjpinter@reddit
Didn’t read all the comments, but if it has a phone number on the side of the truck, and you called and spoke to the business, the best route is to keep calling. Squeaky Wheels get the Grease ? In my location, if someone is blocking your driveway, you can have it towed. Tell them your intentions to have it towed ? I am guessing here, but how did it get left there in the first place ? Does one of their employees live VERY close to you ? You need to talk to him/her. Take pictures, and start documenting this. If you get into a legal tangle with them, having notes and photos goes a long way with a judge. Fantasies about being punitive are fun to think of (like listening to Country Songs), but are rarely productive in the real world. If you vandalize there truck in any way, you become the one breaking the law. And that is much more serious than a vehicle parked on your right-of-way.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I posted an update yesterday I think it was. I called the company back after getting permission from the police to tow it. I told them the tow rates and asked if they'd like me to tow it or forgo the hookup fee and I'll just charge them for storage. They jumped and a neighbor was knocking on my door 10 minutes later apologizing profusely and offering to move it.
PackageWitty7952@reddit
When I was in college parking was awful. One spot in a backyard started to have a small pickup as a daily visitor. After notes and letters were ignored one morning the land owner built a block wall complete with mortar around the vehicle. Oh the pissing and moaning! The landowner became legend as a badass. The truck was trapped for about a week. College students were not given much sway by the local law. The trucker paid about 500 bucks and had to haul away the blocks. Circa 1970.
mehojiman@reddit
As a private storage facility, you can set your rates and time as high or low as you want. If they don't pay, file a lein on the truck.
BetterthanU4rl@reddit
You can just search how to claim abandoned car title in my area. There are steps, maybe fee or two. A waiting period and then its legally yours.
Which I see you've found. You sounds pretty cheap to initiate things. You should do it and see if you end up keeping it. Worse comes to worse, they move it.
MiataJohn@reddit
Just tow it.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I made a post with an update. No profit, company jumped when I called back and told them they will be billed, neighbor quickly came over to apologize, and I made an agreement with her that she can park it here but requested she move it further up the driveway where it does not inconvenience me.
toolsavvy@reddit
This sub has completely lost it's purpose.
Hot-Win2571@reddit
Put piss disks in the back of the truck. Wash it if you get ownership.
TheFlashOfLightning@reddit
Shrimp in the shower rod
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Sometimes things have a higher purpose
toolsavvy@reddit
Then ask your question on legal subs and subs that cater solving problems ethically.
Ghar1976@reddit
I believe it has to be left on your property for over a month before you can try and seize it. Document every attempt to contact owner and use it when you go for the seizure
ride_whenever@reddit
Send them a parking invoice, odds are they’ll just pay it
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
That's a good idea
smokeater12@reddit
If they don't pay, place a lien on the vehicle.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
As I understand it I can legally send a bill and request payment but since they didn't contractually agree to anything I think it would be fraud if I tried to enforce it as a legal debt other than perhaps going to civil court (eg, I couldn't legally sell it to a debt collector)
Solid-Consequence-50@reddit
Quickly put a sign out saying parking: $500 a day
Onyxxx_13@reddit
"Day Rate Parking:
$22.50/hr Sedans $45/hr Oversized Vehicles $125/hr Commercial Vehicles
(Fine print:) Usage of space constitutes agreement with the posted signs, payable within 7 days of usage. Discretion of property owner."
Easy to put up if you know your local sign shop.
TillFar6524@reddit
I am not a lawyer, but I do know that just because you put something on a sign, that doesn't make it legally binding.
ride_whenever@reddit
No, if you want to claim property you have to use a flag, like the British
LifeManualError404@reddit
Do_you_have a flag?
asphid_jackal@reddit
No flag no country
Leading-Force-2740@reddit
this reminds me of the dispute over Hans Island called the Whisky War
from wikipedia:
In 1984, Canadian soldiers visited the island and planted a Canadian flag, also leaving a bottle of Canadian whisky.[9] The Danish Minister of Greenland Affairs came to the island himself later the same year with the Danish flag, a bottle of Schnapps, and a letter stating "Welcome to the Danish Island" (Velkommen til den danske ø).[10][11][12] The two countries proceeded to take turns planting their flags on the island and exchanging alcoholic beverages.[13] In 2005 a Canadian man and an unknown source on the Danish side also posted advertisements on Google to "promote their claims".[13][14][15]
The minor border dispute was often considered humorous between the two nations, with diplomats displaying good humour. Despite the serious official nature of the matter, the manner in which the conflict was prosecuted was light-hearted, demonstrated by the length of time taken to settle the dispute, if nothing else. Both nations are on friendly terms, and are also founding members of NATO.
kowalski655@reddit
https://youtu.be/UTduy7Qkvk8?si=DYMHk-0qLLF4RhPc
Proud-Butterfly6622@reddit
Can you pull a good ol " Finders keepers, Losers weepers"????
Joyage2021@reddit
How can they deny parking charges? Its the same as parking anywhere else that is paid, as long as its less than a tow I would pay what was asked myself without question.
Knever@reddit
Because they would have to have been notified of the parking charges beforehand (typically with a sign).
N0Z4A2@reddit
I received a parking ticket and had my vehicle towed by the town because they put up construction signs after I'd already parked there
Knever@reddit
That's something you should have been able to dispute.
N0Z4A2@reddit
TBH I didn't try it was 3 hours out of state
Joyage2021@reddit
that's the ULPT though...
MjrLeeStoned@reddit
Because applicabally, you don't pay parking fees to park in residential driveways.
Parking garages are a business. Your driveway is typically not.
Joyage2021@reddit
register that LLC baby.
Gsogso123@reddit
Parking lots put no parking/row away signs up and enforce them all the time
Shulgin46@reddit
Yes, and it is easy to dispute the debt if they file one for non payment, and if it's in dispute, they can't collect without a court order, and they won't get one, unless it is a government/city owned lot.
Gsogso123@reddit
True, but lots of people just pay and don’t bother going to court. Worth a shot to find out
Shulgin46@reddit
Agreed
MjrLeeStoned@reddit
Yes because those are things any private property owner can legally do.
There are plenty of signs that are not. Most signs that say "not liable for damages" are usually not enforceable depending on the situation.
If an owner is found negligent, they are pretty much always liable for damages no matter how many bogus signs they hang.
Gsogso123@reddit
OP is talking about private property, my post is about private property as well.
MjrLeeStoned@reddit
Commercial and residential property are both private.
And have completely different regulations.
Gsogso123@reddit
I am aware this is the case for things like running a business, and what can and can’t be done legally from each property type. I am not aware of overarching trends relating to signage across the country with regards to enforceability.
lordrefa@reddit
I can not see any way you could be misinterpreting u/MjrLeeStoned comment. They aren't talking about signage enforceability. They made it very clear in their first response that any private property owner can have you towed for being on their property, period dot com.
Montanabioguy@reddit
It is if the sign was there beforehand.
You can't just post a sign after the fact and retroactively expect that the concern party accepted the terms.
At this point they would have to be notified at the sign went up and the terms of parking there have changed. Currently, it's just trespassing. Which, OP should just call a tow truck company and be done with it. I don't know why he hasn't so far. That puppy would have been gone the same night it arrived if it were my property. But I digress.
The truck owner would be notified that the terms of parking there have changed. And he has a reasonable time to quit. 12 hours, 24 hours, whatever.
Now if you can verify that he has been advised that parking there is $120 per hour, as it's private property, and it's been 24 hours, then you can take him to small claims court and likely win when he inevitably refuses to pay.
Leading-Force-2740@reddit
... you DO know what sub youre posting in right?
Montanabioguy@reddit
I think it's pretty unethical to charge a guy thousands of dollars in parking fees instead of just going to please come tow his shit. But that's just me.
Google around a little bit or head to the legal advice subreddit. This is well trodden ground. About signs being contracts.
I can only give the tools. The info. What you do with it is your own.
Leading-Force-2740@reddit
youre right, it is unethical to put up a sign after the fact, and ask for monetary compensation for the part of their driveway that they were deprived the use of. nevertheless, they were deprived of it and have every right to request compensation for the use of their driveway. i would ask for thousands too, and settle for hundreds. always ask for more than you want, expect haggling/negotiation.
it is not illegal to request money from somebody. anyone can ask anybody else for money for anything, from payment for goods or services rendered to just plain pan handling. it is up to the requestee to assess whether the request is valid and/or whether they feel obligated/compelled to pay the amount requested.
furthermore, while not illegal, it is very unethical to park a vehicle on somebody else's private property without asking permission and/or offering some sort of payment for using their space. what kind of asshole does that? the owner does not have use of their property while the vehicle is parked there, that is worth something.
i dont need to check the legal advice subreddit, THIS SUB is a discussion on questionable ethics for various life situations. the op didnt post in the legal sub asking for advice, hence the legality of the advice given in this sub has very little bearing on the topic at hand.
Montanabioguy@reddit
My point is that it's unethical to put up a sign after the fact.
But if OP wants to farm this for real money, there's a way to do it. First, the guy has to be advised of the price. The new price.
Second is that the amount has to be reasonable. If it's $1,000 per hour, a court will toss it in a second.
Got to know the rules to work the system.
The ethical thing to do, the right thing to do, and the lawful thing to do In this situation is simply to call the police, call a tow truck, whatever, and get the vehicle removed by the proper authorities.
But, that's not the thing we're aiming to do.
fuck_you_thats_who@reddit
"I think it's pretty unethical..." so you do know what sub you're in
TurnsOutIwas@reddit
"That sign has been there for months."
carmellacream@reddit
Like when the city puts up a “NO PARKING” sign?
Bleak_Squirrel_1666@reddit
Yeah just go put a bunch of no parking signs up around the city, then collect the fines! Get rich quick.
carmellacream@reddit
There are cases where that kind of thing has been tried. Fake invoices are paid everyday of the week.
fasterfester@reddit
You used the key word: “city”
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I actually work with the local sign shop lol!
MindAccomplished3879@reddit
You can initiate a lien, most of times called mechanic lien. You will get a new title under your name. Every state has a process for situations like this where a vehicle is abandoned at your property
Check your state for the process, the documents needed, and the requirements.
I do about 5 liens a month
Any questions, send me a dm
Few_Space1842@reddit
My father has for 6 years now been trying this with the state of MO. He has paid property tax to the state of MO for the truck, that they still will not give him the title to.
Not all states work smoothly.
raines@reddit
Great: then you are covered. Just put up a “donate your vehicle here” sign.
MNGrrl@reddit
This person is an idiot. You cannot ex post facto legitimize theft.
N0Z4A2@reddit
I got towed and a huge parking ticket for parking legally on a residential street because after I parked it there they put out the construction science
MNGrrl@reddit
If you proved the signs weren't there before, it should have been thrown out. Alternatively you can sue them to recover damages if they try and say it is a civil / administrative.
N0Z4A2@reddit
I'm not sure how I would prove that. It was also 3 hours out of state.
MNGrrl@reddit
Go back and figure out when they got the work permits, paperwork, etc. Put it on a timeline and demonstrate reasonable doubt. You don't need to prove it happened, you just need to prove it didn't happen the way they say it did.
Gullible_Vehicle_136@reddit
Yes you can. You just have to have a .gov email address.
Leafs9999@reddit
Underrated comment.
redpat2061@reddit
Or be a cop
MNGrrl@reddit
Ah yes, the government contractor gambit. Good luck with the judge
Arthur__Dunger@reddit
Touché! 😂
Arthur__Dunger@reddit
Touché 😂
Tallproley@reddit
It's easy, if it appears in court you say "I've had this sign there for a while, look see here's a picture I took and the truck is right there!" They say "there was no sign and we would never agree to that!"
You say "you're telling me I don't know when I put signs up on my own property? You're daft driver abandoned a vehicle on my lot, you think he's bright enough to read a sign? Besides I LIVE there, I've looked out at that sign for months, you've never even been there before, so you intend to tell me what MY home looks like?"
"You put that sign up only after we parked there!"
"You're saying you run around and park in people's driveways without their consent wherever you damn please?, you admit to trespassing being a common business practice because you're to cheap to pay for proper parking? You expect a judge to say that makes sense, that your driver just chose a random private citizens driveway to squat on? What's more likely, your driver is a trespassing squatter who infringes the right of people to enjoy their own driveways, or your driver chose to park in a lot that charges a reasonable fee because it's cheaper than trespassing and vandalism charges?
raines@reddit
What’s the name of this subreddit again?
MNGrrl@reddit
r/ConfidentlyWrongMen?
clce@reddit
Deposit signed title in Dropbox.
bigtallsunflowers@reddit
You Wouldn't Download a Car
robx51@reddit
Please let us know how that pans out. I mean it's a chill move where no one has to deal with cops/tow yard and you might make some money.
lettheflamedie@reddit
Before you do this, check state stautes and local ordinances. Most places have specific language that needs to be on signs for enforceability. Source: am a parking manager.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I did earlier and this wouldn't work although I can't remember why off hand. I could use it as further leverage to request payment but I can't legally enforce it.
ADrunkManInNegligee@reddit
Almost anything is enforceable if they agree to it. Call them back with the parking deal or getting towed off your property?
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
That's another option I thought of. "By leaving it here after notification I'll take that as your explicit agreement to a rate of $10/hr." At that point it's a matter of do I want to try to maximize my parking bill and press that issue further to give it more legal strength or do I want to simply do only the legal requirements in hopes of winning the vehicle. It's like a game show in my driveway!
ClosetLadyGhost@reddit
Wtf
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
We actually print all the official no parking street cleaning signs for the city lmao
ADrunkManInNegligee@reddit
It's destiny
ClosetLadyGhost@reddit
I'm sure you all would have a connect in the dept so just ask em for sum help
badpeaches@reddit
Don't you have to be incorporated to send invoices like that, aren't permits required?
tyurytier84@reddit
$870
87_Smoking_Guns@reddit
Put a sign in driveway right beside the truck, parking $100/day or whatever ridiculous number you want to put on it.
Take regular photos of vehicle by sign, send bill and tell them they are fucked and have to pay up, see what happens.
SommWineGuy@reddit
It is different state to state but in most states you can place a lein and eventually claim ownership of an abandoned vehicle.
StalkMeNowCrazyLady@reddit
You understand wrong. It's called Invoice Fraud and is very much a crime. You can't just send people bills without prior agreements for services and services.
A friend within the last year ended up going legit with his home based under the table mechanic work, all because he had 3 cars sitting that people never came to pick up after working on them. After actually starting his business via the paperwork and registration he had to have our lawyer buddy send multiple emails to the owners registered address, and leave recorded voice mails that said he needed payment and the cars were now collecting storage fees. It took a couple months before he was was able to actually get a title for 2 of the 3 and sell them.
PawsomeFarms@reddit
Only if you tell them what the bill is for.
Something like sending Microsoft an invoice that's basically "Please pay $1,000 to (Bank account and routing numbers)" with no attempt to convince them it's for a service you haven't rendered and they never agreed to- just a "bruh, give me $1k" type invoice - it's unlikely to meet the threshold for fraud.
It's when your sending Microsoft invoices for rendering imaginary services that you get into legal issues. I can't say they owe me $1k because I mowed their lawn- I can still ask them to give me money.
waka324@reddit
This, along with pretending to be an actual vendor.
You can send an invoice for "a mail invoice service", or other undisclosed service, and that is not fraud under law. But claiming services not rendered or faking the identity of a real vendor would be.
OP could bill for private property parking services and get away with it. The difficulty would be in collecting.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I looked it up and it appears to be as I thought, this is not invoice fraud because I actually provided a service. Invoice fraud is when you charge for services not provided or exorbitant rates for a service you did provide. If I charge $100 that's legal, if I charge $10,000 that's probably invoice fraud. The fact that they didn't agree to it just means it's not legally enforceable, it doesn't mean it's illegal to request payment for parking in my driveway.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
How did your buddy not commit invoice fraud if that's how the law works? If that's invoice fraud then I have an emergency vet currently trying to collect payment from me that I explicitly did not agree to just a few days ago. Hmm... you're saying I should sue them for invoice fraud?
Goingdef@reddit
You could always post up a “pull your own parts“ sales ad and when they show up ….well, I don’t know where 90% percent of your truck went🤷♂️
Blothorn@reddit
If they refuse to pay there are several legal avenues for demanding payment without a preexisting contract—unjust enrichment would probably be the most straightforward. You’re correct that you can’t treat the invoice as a contracted debt, but if someone benefits unjustly at your expense and had the opportunity to forego or decline the benefit you have a good case to get a judgment which is even better.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
So I think I would have to show they actually profited for injust enrichment but "private nuisance" might be a valid civil route:
Blothorn@reddit
Saving the cost of parking elsewhere could count, but I agree—that’s a much more straightforward claim.
Knever@reddit
lol you are insane. No court on Earth would award anything for this case.
Blothorn@reddit
Not to enforce a bill sent ex post, no, but for a reasonable rate to someone who refused to move a commercial vehicle despite being informed that they would be charged for its presence?
WelcomeFormer@reddit
Sounds possible but it would have to be a reasonable parking fee, if it's a nice truck, the dude better in jail for awhile. if you still have his truck remember he just got out of jail lol
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I plan to send a reasonable bill. That would be in my interest anyway as it's more likely to be paid. If they don't pay it it'll hold up more if I decide to actually take it to civil court and since they're a business they're more likely to pay it to avoid going to court or not show up so I get a default judgement.
OnionTruck@reddit
Lien on a vehicle? Never heard of that.
Citizen44712A@reddit
While standing face away from the vehicle, push your elbows and forearms past your back a bit and have them contact the vehicle and shift your body weight onto your arms and elbows.
ADrunkManInNegligee@reddit
Mechanics leins are pretty common if they're forced to release a vehicle without getting paid somehow.
Competitive-Story161@reddit
Charge impound lot rates, $150-250/day depending on the area.
ironcladfranklin@reddit
Put up a sign that says cost per day before you send it.
saraphilipp@reddit
$500 for the first day. $250 a day every day after that. Chain the wheels together.
jeaninedana@reddit
Seriously, we did that with folks who didn't ask to put lawn signs for advertising businesses on our law. $150 per month. Some just pay it. That was the best idea I ever got from reddit.
Icuivan@reddit
We need an update!!!
michaeloakey@reddit
Finders keepers isn't a real law.
Salty_Interview_5311@reddit
Don’t even try it. Just get it towed and show zero tolerance for that from now on.
You seriously don’t want to get charged with auto theft. A felony screws up your life really badly.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I'm specifically not trying to break any laws, I'm trying to follow the law to take ownership of abandoned property.
DrNukenstein@reddit
It might have been stolen, though I can’t imagine a thief actually parking a stolen vehicle, unless they actually had some sense and, after ditching the cops, hid in your driveway then legged it after things cooled down. That throws the suspicion on you as the thief, though. Can you account for your whereabouts on the night in question?
oldjackhammer99@reddit
Call tow truck .
TubasAre@reddit
Have it towed.
Gh0stSwerve@reddit
Build a garage around it
IAmAThug101@reddit
Moat with Alligators.
RelationTurbulent963@reddit
Capture the flagging truck
DifficultFrosting742@reddit
all the complicated business that seems like it will make money won't really work. Just get the people who left the vehicle there to come and get it.
Active_Surround_7864@reddit
I would find the furthest tow company from the company bame in the truck within your county and have it towed there
stoned_banana@reddit
In my state it has to be abandoned on your property without permission for 30 days before you can apply for a abandoned vehicle title. So I'd check with your state laws
AgitatedMagazine4406@reddit
Just get it towed
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Sir this is America! The land of opportunity!
broncospin@reddit
Just have it towed.
Cutie3pnt14159@reddit
My fiance says the legal way is to do a lein sale, but even that takes 6 months to a year.
He also just says to strip it for parts. "Sorry. I came home and it was like this."
But if you push it into a public street, it becomes officially abandoned I guess? Just break the window to get inside. It's on your property afterall.
Or you can a lawyer and ask them. It probably depends on where you live.
PrestigiousBunch8902@reddit
Push the car into your garage, close and lock. Make like it never happened. What truck?
Shirkaday@reddit
I gotta know, is this like a neighborhood street / suburban small residential driveway like in a subdivision leading into a garage, or some kind of longer drive that might as well be a small road?
It's just kinda mind blowing that someone would park in a small neighborhood driveway right in front of someone's house/garage, but I could see it if you're out in the country or something.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
It's a suburban street. The driveway is paved and recessed into the lot and it's parallel with a dirt road the county stopped maintaining years ago.
I talked with my cousin and he said it might be this guy two doors down, who I see has a nice two car wide driveway with one car currently in it. IDK, maybe I should go park there, apparently that's what we do around here.
My cousin said my father who previously owned the property had made an agreement that the guy could park here however he would do mechanical work staining the driveway and eventually the county cited my father for having broken down cars sitting there thinking they belonged to him so my father rescinded the offer. I've owned the property for over a year now and this is the first time I've seen anyone park here, maybe the guy thinks he can take advantage of me.
outofcontrolbehavior@reddit
Put it on rollers and put it in the street. Then call the police/
Strange_Space_7458@reddit
No. That is grand theft.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Grand theft is illegally stealing a car. Many states including mine do have measures to legally acquire ownership of abandoned property.
Strange_Space_7458@reddit
It isn't abandoned property by any legal definition.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
In my state it's considered legally abandoned after 48hr if it's on private property without the owners consent and in violation of state law. I never gave permission, it's my private driveway, and they are trespassing. After 48hr I even called them before looking into or considering trying to obtain the vehicle to explicitly tell them it's my private property and they need to get it off because I never gave permission, and that was now about 46 hours ago. It's legally abandoned property.
The question is if I can actually go through the process to obtain ownership. As I understand it I have to go to the DMV who will send a certified letter to the registrant and any lien holders, 15 days after which if they do not claim ownership and remove the vehicle I can legally acquire the title, register it, and have locksmith come out and let me into my vehicle.
Strange_Space_7458@reddit
Uh huh. OK, sure.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
It seems to be by the state statute I cited elsewhere as a top level comment here.
Unfriendly_eagle@reddit
Strip it for parts and set it on fire, then just say IDK what happened.
babycam@reddit
You can claim it's abandoned after 30 days generally depending on the city/State. So would have to put up with it a while but then could be free truck
JTEL918@reddit
Call a locksmith and get a key made. Use it as a getaway vehicle when you make even more money robbing shit.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I like the way you think
Sejanoz@reddit
48hrs...Abandoned lol. It's the weekend mate, they'll get it on Monday
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
It was abandoned on Thursday so it's not just an employee off for the weekend. It's still here 11am on Monday, renting usage of my driveway.
AH_MLP@reddit
You're asking if "finders keepers" applies to a car?
No... if you park you car on someone's property, it doesn't become their car. When you park your car at work is it their car?
CogitoErgoScum@reddit
Boot it. Negotiate from there.
Aggravating-Loss7837@reddit
Throw a ‘for sale’ sign on it. With a stupid low price. And the contact number of the company.
When they start to get 100 calls a day for the silly cheap truck they will get it shifted
PeacefulBirchTree@reddit
Looking forward to the update.
ictguy24@reddit
Huge lock and chain around the wheels and other body parts. It won't go anywhere unless they pay you to unlock it.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I wonder if that's legal, hmm...
combosandwich@reddit
City of Chicago says yes
ictguy24@reddit
You're depriving him of property, he's depriving you of property. Goose, Gander. Kettle, Pot. etc
SuckMyHiney@reddit
There's no case law for that. Kettle v Pot was thrown out.
Rob_Lockster@reddit
Probably because they’re black. The court system has failed them.
Leading-Force-2740@reddit
with the bath water?
RusticBucket2@reddit
Only because they failed to depose the ladle.
captcha_wave@reddit
I didn't know they taught law in 3rd grade.
ictguy24@reddit
so witty
Underyx@reddit
Let me guess, you passed the bar 3800 years ago?
conkysrevengesd@reddit
On your property, it totally is.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I looked it up and it's not. Only if you're a private business and follow certain regulations such as posting signs.
ratpride@reddit
You could just build a fence around it
Boulderdrip@reddit
my fellow Americans are very very stupid. They think you can do anything on your private property like it’s a sovereign nation. In my city, I can’t even practice archery in my backyard because it’s considered a deadly weapon and one of the arrows could stray and hurt somebody. You can do whatever you want on your private property and that includes stealing other peoples property even if their properties illegally on your property you can’t just do whatever you want with it just like you can’t just kill anyone who walks onto your property.
FiveCentsADay@reddit
My dad and I got stopped for shooting bows in town limits like 20 years ago. He had no idea, cop just rolled up and said "y'all can't be doing that" and we went about our day
Triple96@reddit
"You've slighted me therefore I own your shit now"
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Correct, and correct I can't steal it nor do I intend to, that would be illegal. It does seem I can bill them for parking and legally obtain ownership of the property after calling the police to document it, taking that documentation to the DMV and paying a $40 processing fee to send out a certified letter notifying them which gives them 15 days to remove it after which point I can go back to the DMV and take ownership, get a replacement title and register it.
Nukegm426@reddit
Legally no, you’re not a mechanic nor a storage lot. You could see what’s involved in storage leans on your area and then boot the car with outrageous fees and see if you can hold onto it long enough for whatever storage Lien you can get. It’s not going to work because they’ll come get it before then but that’s your path
Pandita666@reddit
Clamp it and charge $500 to remove
Nasaboy1987@reddit
It might actually be possible. But it would have to be there long entire.be considered abandoned (how long devotion the state but more than likely 30 days). You'd have to have proof of contacting the owner and that it was there the whole time.
WeAreyoMomma@reddit
To claim it as part of your territory, you need to pee on the truck.
jerry111165@reddit
IN the truck.
In.
IllusorySin@reddit
If applicable, have your dog pee on it too for good measure
Restless__Dreamer@reddit
It can also help to have neighboring dogs pee on it, too. The more pee, the better!
candidly1@reddit
Park your car behind it; tell them $500 to get it out.
Money-Food-2694@reddit
Push it onto road, someone will then care. 4WD and snatch strap.
shotstraight@reddit
NO! Idiot.
drbongmd@reddit
Your state most likely has an abandoned vehicle program. Generally what happens is you have the local police department come verify the VIN number and provide you with a form saying that they've done that. Then the DMV will send a letter to the registered owner at their last known address notifying them of the ownership change. The registered owner will have a certain amount of time to reply, if they don't reply then the vehicle becomes yours.
_pcakes@reddit
if this is true, I should be able to buy cars without a title
Commercial_Ad_5813@reddit
UpdateMe!
LoveMyTakumi@reddit
!RemindMe 1day
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
That's what I'm understanding from reading my states law. Ty.
Skyducky@reddit
Update us op, let us know you got a new truck!!
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Will do.
Billthebanger@reddit
You could place concrete blocks around the vehicle and charge them to move them . One old farmer in my area had no trespassing signs on his property and no hunting. A pair of hunters came and parked on his land and started to hunt without permission. The farmer put concrete blocks around the vehicle. They begged for their truck back and never got it back.
goofzilla@reddit
Disassembly of the truck should begin immediately, you need to move it somehow.
Hot-Win2571@reddit
Reassemble inside your garage.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Hahaha
CreativeEmergency194@reddit
Take their tags off
Kryptus@reddit
DAE think OP killed the guy who parked the truck and is trying to cover their tracks?
MEINSHNAKE@reddit
You have a buddy with a truck? Move the thing sideways in the middle of the street. Cars drag pretty easily in park if it’s not locked in 4 wheel drive.
12bonolori@reddit
Strip it.
leeperpharmd@reddit
I had to scroll entirely too far to find this. Why has no one suggested getting some new rims.
BeyondStill4371@reddit
Put a boot on it
EffectiveRelief9904@reddit
What kind of truck is it?
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
A dodge ram 1500. No idea on the year, I don't know my trucks that well. Looks like in good condition though so I'm guessing it's a newish model.
The-Rel1c@reddit
Drop caltrops on your property. When the truck drives over it, presto changeo, they need new tires.
Mike-the-gay@reddit
Quick. Build a shed around it!
KeepBanningKeepJoin@reddit
Hell no. Just have it towed.
cd6020@reddit
And if the tow companies refuse to tow, jack it up and put wheel dollies under each tire. Then push the truck into the middle of the street and take back your dollies. Call the police about an truck parked in the middle of the road. Safety concern. :D
InternetSalesManager@reddit
Had to scroll way too far to find this answer
food_porn_star@reddit
I believe your dmv will have some form to claim abandoned vehicles. Slim chance of getting title to it, being that the truck is owned by a functioning business and probably doesn't want to lose that truck
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Yeah, it seems like a long shot but for a $40 filing fee it seems like a good gamble. Frankly if they don't get their truck after the notification period I probably deserve it anyway lol
MischievousMystic@reddit
Stuff some dead fish in the wheel wells and stuff , piss in the gas tank, piss on it in general. Or you could idk stick dog shit on the handles
mmmjkerouac@reddit
It's not unethical, but look up abandoned property laws where you live.
PeterWritesEmails@reddit
How the fuck we know where do you live?
Different laws in different jurisdictions.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I posted it along with my relevant law as a top level comment
succored_word@reddit
I doubt it, but that would be too bad if the vehicle was damaged by mistake…
Powerful-Hamster-496@reddit
Vandalize the he'll out of it.
VTnav@reddit
Dear r/UnerhicalLofeProTips, I got towed. How do I fuck over this row company?
also
Someone parked illegally on my property. How I fuck them over to the tune of $30,000?
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Lol
Darkmeathook@reddit
You are more gracious than I am.
One day, I got off work and I saw a random car in my driveway. I called the tow number on the signs in my neighborhood. After i sent them a picture of my license as proof that I live here, i had the car towed in less than 30 minutes.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I thought it might be a neighbor and even if not I'm not trying to get a worker in trouble. I have my limits though and then I'll exploit their negligence to whatever extent I can, I made a good faith effort, whatever happens after that they can blame themselves.
Citizen44712A@reddit
Get some car dolly's from labor freight, roll the truck off your property, maybe into a ditch or wildlife preserve, return dolly's.
Cultural_Yam7212@reddit
Police won’t tow off private property. Call a tow company. That’s ridiculous
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
In my state police are the only ones who can tow an abandoned vehicle off private property as I understand the law, you can't tow someone else's vehicle without authorization.
Sataypufft@reddit
Cut the cat off and have it towed. Use the money from selling the cat to have signs made for next time.
bestuzernameever@reddit
Just cut the cat off it and keep the $ as payment for parking.
skits112189@reddit
Piss in the tank and call a tow legally you can’t just take it over unless you do a whole chop shop thing and file off all VIN #s and that too much hassle
RobertTheDog-Coiffer@reddit
Pissing in the tank would do... nothing.
LeftLaneCamping@reddit
It would make me feel better, for a couple different reasons
RobertTheDog-Coiffer@reddit
Fair enough
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
If I piss in the tank I can be charged with damaging private property regardless if it's on my property.
Motor-Ad-1153@reddit
Empty the air from their tires. U aint damaging anything
Scragglymonk@reddit
only if someone spots you and reports you, so wear gloves :)
Xeno_man@reddit
Where something is doesn't change who owns something.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Depends on your state. I know my state does have abandoned property laws and you can do this, I'm just not familiar enough with the law to know exactly how it works.
ODBrunizz@reddit
It's not 48 hours I can tell you that much. Just have it towed, don't be a dick
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
As best I can tell it's 15 days but I'm not confident on that. Don't abandon your property in my driveway.
Xeno_man@reddit
That takes time. A long time. Months to years because it needs to be more than reasonable. Otherwise you can see a parked car you like, declare it is abandoned and call dibs on it. It's possible for a car to be stolen, then after it's used for crime or a joy ride, gets abandoned. It might sit for a week or more before someone inquires about it. Doesn't mean the original doesn't have a claim to the car.
SomeBroOnTheInternet@reddit
Only if they can prove it
skits112189@reddit
Left abandoned on your property for days unless it’s out in boonies or a gated community anyone could have done it, not like they go to court and make you give them a piss sample and DNA match it. Or leave a cucumber in the grill (if you know you know)
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Lol. Okay but I'm not trying to be malicious or cause suffering for the sake of suffering and that doesn't help me in any way. A new truck on the other hand... Hey if I make a good faith effort and follow the law any repercussions they incur are not my problem.
KeepBanningKeepJoin@reddit
And seizing it would be grand theft auto.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Not if you do it legally, I'm not trying to break in and steal the thing.
Bggnslngr@reddit
That's not legal either though
tsJIMBOb@reddit
How would you even go about pissing in the tank? There’s that flap there. Do you try to push the flap with your penis? Hold the flap with your finger and piss all over your hand? Piss in a gas can and go from there? These are the hard hitting questions the public need to know!
allKindsOfDevStuff@reddit
Why world you wait 48 hours and why would you be concerned with them getting in trouble??
That shit should have been towed immediately; they have no business being on your property at all
Xing_the_Rubicon@reddit
Why are you calling the police?
Call a few towing companies in your city and explain the situation. Explain that you can prove you are the legal homeowner or lease holder.
Tell them you are contacting a few towing services and wanted to know if they would offer a referral fee to you for the job. If they say "no" let them know that a competitor of their has already offered a referral fee and you're giving them a chance to match or beat it.
Depending on your market you'll end up with $50-$100 in your pocket. Might as well get something for your troubles.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Legally to have it towed I have to call the police and have them authorize it as I understand it. If I want to obtain ownership I need to get the police to come document it and then I take that document to the DMV, file the paperwork, the DMV sends a certified letter to the registrant of the vehicle and if they don't respond and remove the vehicle after 15 days I can get the title issued, register it, and take ownership. That's my best understanding reading the law anyway.
Xing_the_Rubicon@reddit
Why the fuck are you asking strangers for advice internet?
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I've gotten one good piece of advice so far, send them a bill.
Xing_the_Rubicon@reddit
Good luck.
Glittering-Gur5513@reddit
Put up a sign saying PARKING $500 / DAY. Photograph the vehicle with the sign visible. Call back the owners and ask how they want to pay, attaching the photo as proof. They'll move it.
fredthefishlord@reddit
500 won't hold up. Ser it to like 50 or something that'll hold up as a reasonable fee
Cosmohumanist@reddit
It is Sunday, I bet it’ll be gone by Tuesday
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Good chance, my plan is to wait through most of the workday tomorrow before investing any time or money into pursuing it.
Cosmohumanist@reddit
Good call
mamabear-50@reddit
Just have them towed. I use to rent an apartment with an assigned space along side the driveway to the back parking lot. It was a densely populated area with a lot of apartments and minimal street parking. I would continually find strange vehicles parked in my space which had a no parking sign next to it. I mentioned it to my landlords who told me just to park in the back lot. Yeah, no.
After that every time I came home to find a car parked in my spot I called a towing company to take them away. It got to the point that I didn’t even need to give them my address, they knew it from my repeated calls.
If I didn’t have time to wait for a tow truck (because I was leaving again) I would slice the sidewall of their tire (so it couldn’t be repaired) with my handy pocket knife. I was nice. I only did one tire so they could use their spare. This was my unethical (ok, illegal) solution.
This continued for the four years I lived there although it was a different car each time. Getting a car out of an impound lot isn’t/wasn’t cheap so they apparently learned.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Why would I have it towed if I can gain possession of the vehicle?
BallsofSt33I@reddit
I know a guy....
Bobwayne17@reddit
Did this swap over to legaladvice for today or?
Why on a subreddit about freezing your piss and throwing it into cars, buildings, etc. are people talking about how just applying for the title of a vehicle that's parked on your property would make you a dick? Bizarre.
SNES_Salesman@reddit
You’re just welcoming legal headaches since you’ve already established contact with the company. Their lawyers will argue since you didn’t have it towed away that there was some agreement to you allowing it to be parked there for an unspecified amount of time.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
There's an agreement they can park there because I called them and explicitly told them I didn't give them permission and to get it out of my driveway? If that's what they argue I'd argue they should get some new lawyers.
SNES_Salesman@reddit
Downvote if you want but it’s not about the validity it’s about making it a nightmare for you in court appearances and costs. If you think they’ll be “aw shucks you got us, enjoy the truck.” then good luck.
You did establish a communication with them and did verbally permit them to park there until they came and got it. You can report the car as abandoned, but being that it’s on your private property I wouldn’t expect the city to come tow it off. You’re likely on the hook to tow it to the company and bill them in hopes they reimburse you.
SubarcticFarmer@reddit
The states where I've dealt with abandoned vehicle laws actually require you to do your best to establish communication with the owner to request removal as part of gaining title (my home state requires a newspaper notice as well). It requires documentation so it would still be another step for OP but it's laughable to think contacting them waived rights to claim it abandoned.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I posted the law as a top level comment. As I understand it I need to get the police to document it and then I take that to the DMV to file notice. The DMV sends a certified letter to the registrant of the vehicle and if they don't respond within 15 days I can go back to the DMV and claim ownership of the vehicle, insure it, get a title issued, register it, and get a locksmith to help me gain access to my vehicle.
SubarcticFarmer@reddit
It's just a matter if playing the odds on whether you want to hope they miss the window to get it or have it towed and make them pay. If you're going to do the former, start the process sooner rather than later and only do the required actions. Sometimes larger companies lose communications in their bureaucracy.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
That's my plan. I figure if it's still there later in the day tomorrow, a full business day after the call, then there's a good chance it'll be there the required 15 days after filing to obtain it and worth the $40 gamble.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Legally I can tow it after contacting the police and it's been abandoned for, it's either 2-5 days, I can't remember off hand. In order to seize the vehicle I will need to get documentation from the police, take it to the DMV, and then follow the DMVs process. If I can get through all that the state has legally granted it to me, I think that would be difficult to dispute in court and if I do make it that far I have plenty of savings to fight it while they exhaust their own funds and risk paying mine if they choose to try. Most likely they'll pick it up before the allotted time period but for $40 if it's not gone tomorrow that's a gamble I'm willing to make. I did not downvote you.
SNES_Salesman@reddit
I wish you luck on it. Verify that the vehicle doesn’t go to auction instead. I know that’s what happens to abandoned vehicles in my state that are never claimed at the impound.
Be wary that the tow truck company too doesn’t try to swipe it. Tow truck companies have agreements in place with governments to pick up abandoned vehicles and get their cut at auction.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
As I understand it it would go to auction only if it's on public property or at the tow company, but that was a little unclear to me. I imagine the police will tell me when I talk to them tomorrow assuming it's still there to warrant starting the process.
Legally only I or the owner of the vehicle can have it towed. If the police have it towed off my property without written permission they're breaking the law.
Pale-Transition7324@reddit
Part it out
VestedDeveloper@reddit
Less headache and variables to just have it towed. If they never go to claim it, they will probably put it up for auction and you could buy it without as many hoops.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Less risk = less reward. I'll do the legwork and pay $40 to the DMV for a chance to win, where are you going to find those kind of odds?
Meatcup@reddit
Dreams
NegotiationLow2783@reddit
It's on your property. You don't want it there. Call a tow company and have it towed.
LoraxVW@reddit
Just call a tow company. They'll grab it and impound it. It won't happen again.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
That was my plan but if I understand the law right $40 and an hour at the DMV seems like a good gamble to acquire a late model truck.
Armegedan121@reddit
Why not get it towed the day it happened? You wanted a vehicle in your driveway over the weekend? Sounds like a potential hazard? Coulda gone to a non emegency line and contacted the city or something. Shoulda started the process that first day. Just weird to be okay with it sitting 4 days and doing nothing.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I have 2 driveways so it's not a big deal in itself unless I have friends over or want to change my oil there or something. Initially it was annoying simply because why is this guy in my driveway, it's clearly private property, but I wasn't trying to make a big deal out of it or cause anyone harm hence why I explicitly said what I did when I called.
I called after 48hr because it started to irritate me more and seemed an excessive amount of time at that point. I do sometimes use that driveway and I certainly don't want to set a precedent where my neighbors start thinking they can park in my driveway. After giving them proper notice and making a good faith and considerate effort I'm like screw it, another 48hr I'll be selfish and try to exploit this for my own interests, they obviously don't care about any consideration towards me.
It's a corporate flagging company too with plenty of resources to come pick up a vehicle, if it were simply a neighbor whose car broke down or had a mental lapse thinking my driveway was somehow part of the street I'd continue to be considerate within a reasonable limit before eventually having it towed.
69pissdemon69@reddit
I think this is the best way even if you lose 40 dollars. I'm not a gambler but I'd probably take this bet. You already did due diligence letting them know where it is and they haven't picked it up. Teach them a lesson, maybe get a truck.
Here4Pornnnnn@reddit
Just call a tow truck. They’re paid by the person picking it up.
atillathefun201@reddit
Just cut the cats off the damn thing and have the rest towed.
NeverDidLearn@reddit
Tow company will tow it out. They will charge the owner the tow fee, storage fees, and process fees. Should be free to you.
Pleasant_Tooth_2488@reddit
Just have it towed at the owner's expense.
drewroxx@reddit
I own a large property with a radio tower on it. If the companies servicing it park anywhere other than the designated leased area I make them pay $100/day per vehicle or I'll have it towed. My neighbor has a tow truck too so it's not an idle threat. They always pay.
silverfish477@reddit
No one knows as you haven’t even bothered to say what continent you live on, let alone anything more helpful like country, state, city…
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I posted the statute as a top level comment and what I think is the relevant section, maybe it got buried.
darthcaedusiiii@reddit
Just get it towed.
PremierEditing@reddit
Just skip all the silly games and have it towed. They'll live lol.
CrisbyCrittur@reddit
Peel off the the plate tag, call it in as an abandoned vehicle, they will tow it
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I can have it towed either way but at this point I have no interest in that, the longer it stays there the more I can bill them and the higher my odds of obtaining ownership.
adv-play@reddit
Start selling parts off of it. List it on Craigslist, tell people they have to bring their own tools.
Iceroadtrucker2008@reddit
It’s a company truck. You tried to do the right thing. Just report it to the cops to get it towed.
SantosFurie89@reddit
Keep a car parked in front of the drive, blocking it. Or install bollard. Demand a payment of 100 dollar a day or so to release it.
Bollard or two 50 to 150 total. Can likely return to amazon easily after.. Need a hammer drill and maybe some concrete at most
digitalmofo@reddit
Charge them the "gate opening fee" that they have to pay in the next city over, charge holiday and weekend rates, plus about 4 bs charges you make up. Give them the whole "you got towed" experience.
SantosFurie89@reddit
Hahaha Admin fee Printing and postage fee Inconvenience charge Illegal trespassing surcharge Religious or cultural holiday extra %
You could also do a charge for impeding other customers who could have fairly booked thd space..
Oh and a tip.. Options of course. But starting at 100 % and on a scroll down menu going down to 1 digit at a time
IrradiantFuzzy@reddit
I love the word bollard. Bollard bollard bollard.
SQLDave@reddit
It's got a sort of woody quality about it.
SantosFurie89@reddit
Lol.. Is it not an Americanism?
Barrier? Anti freedom device? It does remind me of a word that Mr bean may use. Wibble. -bob
BlueTrin2020@reddit
Piss discs
Kockbite@reddit
Buy a boot from Amazon and charge them to take it off.
Ima-Bott@reddit
Offer him scrap value for it. I did that once and she took it
BiggusDickus-@reddit
It is highly likely that there is something very wrong mechanically with it, and this is their way of abandoning it. It would be very strange otherwise for them to park it in a private driveway and leave, with very little obvious concern beyond that.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
Fortunately I'm a mechanic and I have a full garage across the street
OptimusShredder@reddit
Go to a locksmith and get a key made, put a for sale sign up, sell that bitch cash only, and state no title.
No_Equal_1312@reddit
Just call the police and have it towed.
Wonderful-Run-1408@reddit
I would spray paint it. It's on your property and ...
IrradiantFuzzy@reddit
Grab some car dollies from Harbor Freight, move it out into the street. It'll get towed. Don't forget to return the dollies after.
DifficultEvent2026@reddit (OP)
I'm not doing free labor when I could get a free truck.
dourdj@reddit
I’ve worked for a few places that leave each vehicle’s paperwork (title,registration,etc) in the glove box. Before you get it towed you could get a free truck?
tekneols@reddit
Buy some wheel boots from Amazon and boot it, then charge them a daily parking fee or boot removal fee.
Bland-fantasie@reddit
If you live in a country with laws, they will be the vehicle’s registered owners unless you have a legal or bureaucratic way of changing that.
You could sue, but the low hardship you’ve endured makes it seem like it would be taken as frivolous.
I’d be interested if there was a mechanism to do this.
Revolutionary-Half-3@reddit
In NY there is, kind of. Tow truck operator can haul off an abandoned vehicle, and after a certain number of days they can apply for a title so it can be sold to recoup the expenses of towing and storage.
The application costs money, and I'd assume local law enforcement needs to be informed in case the owner files a theft report.
If it's on your property and blocking your driveway it's usually fair game to get towed.
WolfieVonD@reddit
OP, check the glove box for the pink
reijasunshine@reddit
Missouri has a way to apply for a title on an abandoned vehicle, but I think it has to be YEARS abandoned. It's mainly intended for barn/field finds.
Cryz-SFla@reddit
Claim salvage rights.
Otherwise_Ebb4811@reddit
Curious if they lost the keys and that's why it was left in the first place. Look around, you might get to use it as a loaner.
Common-Syrup5694@reddit
If it's got tools and such, go ahead and go shopping, then have it towed.
Highwaystar541@reddit
I have done it many many times. But I’m a scum bag and used the guise of my business to lien them.
You shouldn’t do it. Lots of time people come and pay and pick it up. Sometimes they can’t. But I don’t think that’s gunna for you. Just push it out into the street.
RHOPKINS13@reddit
I think most states have a process for claiming an abandoned vehicle, but it depends on the state. Typically it requires the vehicle to be abandoned over a certain amount of time, and involves sending the owner certified mail informing them of your intent to posess the vehicle, and giving them an amount of time to respond. I could be wrong, but I think the whole process can be done in 2 to 3 months depending on the state.
No-Song-6907@reddit
Have a tow company remove it.
billhartzer@reddit
I’d just get it towed.
Boiler2001@reddit
Where I live there is a legal process by which you can obtain title on an abandoned vehicle. It involves sending a certified letter to the owner letting them know you are taking ownership if they don't claim it.
Retro-Ghost-Dad@reddit
lol if there's no title in the glove box you might, with a great deal of effort and cost, be able to get a bonded title. You might have to get a surety bond from an insurance company, but in that case you miiiiight be able to register it to yourself but surely eventually the actual owner would be able to provide evidence that the vehicle is theirs and get it back.
I'm not 100% how bonded titles work obviously, and I guarantee you that all it would do is cost you time and money, BUT it probably would be a pretty big headache for SOMEONE at the entity that's parked their vehicle on your property.
flerchin@reddit
This is the common misconception known as 'finder's keepers'. That's not your truck, best you can do is tow it.