Colorado § 18-4-512 - Abandonment of a motor vehicle.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-512 — Abandonment of a motor vehicle., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-4-512. Abandonment of a motor vehicle.
(1) Any person who abandons any motor vehicle upon a street, highway, right-of-way, or any other public property, or upon any private property without the express consent of the owner or person in lawful charge of that private property commits abandonment of a motor vehicle.
(2) To "abandon" means to leave a thing with the intention not to retain possession of or assert ownership over it. The intent need not coincide with the act of leaving.
(3) It is prima facie evidence of the necessary intent that:
(a) The motor vehicle has been left for more than seven days unattended and unmoved; or
(b) License plates or other identifying marks have been removed from the motor vehicle; or
(c) The motor vehicle has been damaged or is deteriorated so extensively that it has value only for junk or salvage; or
(d) The owner has been notified by a law enforcement agency to remove the motor vehicle, and it has not been removed within three days after notification.
(4) Abandonment of a motor vehicle is a petty offense.
Source: L. 71: R&RE, p. 432, § 1. C.R.S. 1963: § 40-4-512. L. 2021: (4) amended, (SB 21-271), ch. 462, p. 3180, § 219, effective March 1, 2022.
Cross references: For the towing and storage of abandoned and illegally parked motor vehicles, see part 18 of article 4 of title 42.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-4-512
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-512 cover?
Section 18-4-512 ("Abandonment of a motor vehicle.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. 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 Colorado § 18-4-512?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-512" (Colorado). 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 Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 18-4-512 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado 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 Colorado.