Arizona § 28-4838 - Report; abandoned and seized vehicles; violation; classification
Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-4838 — Report; abandoned and seized vehicles; violation; classification, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 28-4838. Report; abandoned and seized vehicles; violation; classification
A. A person who has knowledge and custody of a vehicle that is either lost, stolen, abandoned or otherwise unclaimed, that has been seized pursuant to law or removed from the right-of-way of any highway, road, street or other public thoroughfare or other public property by order of an officer of the department of public safety, sheriff's officer or city or town police officer and that has been held for a period of ten days and a claim has not been made for the return or possession of the vehicle by a person legally entitled to the vehicle shall do all of the following within five days after the expiration of the ten day retention period:
1. Submit an electronic abandoned vehicle report to the director that is on a form prescribed by the director and that contains all of the following:
(a) A complete description of the vehicle.
(b) The vehicle license or registration number, if any.
(c) The circumstances of the person's or officer's removal or custody.
(d) Other information the director requires.
2. Provide a completed electronic application for transfer of ownership on a form prescribed by the director.
3. Submit a vehicle identification form as prescribed by the director.
4. If applicable, submit the authorization form signed by the private property owner as prescribed in section 28-4834.
5. Pay all fees prescribed by this title.
B. Except if the vehicle inspection as prescribed in section 28-4834 is not completed within the time prescribed in subsection A of this section due to no fault of the person, a person who fails to submit the documents for the purpose of transferring ownership by the time specified in subsection A of this section:
1. Forfeits all claims for towing and storing the vehicle.
2. Is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 28-4838
What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-4838 cover?
Section 28-4838 ("Report; abandoned and seized vehicles; violation; classification") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Arizona § 28-4838?
A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-4838" (Arizona). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Arizona law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.
How does Arizona § 28-4838 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.