Report Abandoned Vehicles - Vancouver Bylaws

Transportation British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

In Vancouver, British Columbia, abandoned vehicles on public streets or city property can create safety and nuisance issues. This guide explains how to identify an abandoned vehicle, collect information, and report it to the City of Vancouver so bylaw officers or other authorities can investigate. Follow the steps below to document the vehicle, use the City reporting tools, and understand enforcement options and potential penalties. If the vehicle poses an immediate hazard, contact emergency services.

How to identify an abandoned vehicle

Before reporting, confirm signs that a vehicle may be abandoned: no recent movement, flat tires, expired registration tags, heavy dust or debris buildup, or visible damage. Note the exact location, licence plate, make, model, colour, and any identifying marks. Take time-stamped photos from a safe distance and record the date and time.

Reporting steps

Use the City of Vancouver online report or 311 services to submit an abandoned vehicle complaint, including photos and location details. After you submit, the City or bylaw staff will assess whether the vehicle meets the criteria for removal and follow the established removal process.[1] For issues involving potential criminal activity or immediate danger, contact the Vancouver Police Department or the non-emergency VPD line as appropriate.

  • Call 311 (inside Vancouver) or submit an online report with photos and location details.[1]
  • Provide vehicle specifics: plate number, make, model, colour, and condition.
  • Attach time-stamped photos showing the vehicle and any signs it has been stationary for an extended period.
  • Record the date you first observed the vehicle and any evidence of duration.
  • If the vehicle is on private property or involves suspected criminal activity, contact the Vancouver Police Department.
Keep copies of your report confirmation and photos in case you need to appeal or follow up.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility generally lies with the City of Vancouver Bylaw Enforcement and Parking Services; the Vancouver Police Department may be involved when the vehicle presents a safety or criminal concern. Official City pages describe the complaint and removal process but do not list exact fine amounts on the cited page, nor detailed fee schedules for towing or storage.[2]

  • Enforcer: City of Vancouver Bylaw Enforcement and Parking Services; Vancouver Police Department for safety or criminal matters.[2]
  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Towing and impound fees: not specified on the cited page; the City indicates removal and owner charges may apply.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove, vehicle seizure and impound, and possible court action are referenced but specific processes or timelines are not detailed on the cited page.
  • Appeals and reviews: the cited City materials describe complaint pathways and reviews but do not specify statutory appeal deadlines on the referenced page.
If you are the registered owner and receive notice, act promptly to avoid towing and storage charges.

Applications & Forms

The City provides an online reporting form for abandoned vehicles and 311 channels for submission; a specific downloadable application form number for removal is not published on the cited pages. Use the City report page or 311 to submit evidence and contact details.[1]

FAQ

Who enforces abandoned vehicle rules in Vancouver?
Bylaw Enforcement and Parking Services enforce abandoned vehicle rules; the Vancouver Police Department responds to safety or criminal concerns.
How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
Report online via the City of Vancouver abandoned vehicle report or call 311 with photos and location details.[1]
Will the City tow the vehicle right away?
The City inspects complaints and follows a removal process; immediate towing occurs when the vehicle poses a safety hazard or meets removal criteria.

How-To

  1. Photograph the vehicle from multiple angles, capturing licence plate and surrounding context.
  2. Record vehicle details: plate, make, model, colour, exact location and the date you first saw it.
  3. Submit an online report or call 311 and attach your photos and details.[1]
  4. Monitor the location for updates and keep your report confirmation for reference.
  5. If you see illegal dumping, suspicious activity, or immediate danger, contact the Vancouver Police Department.

Key Takeaways

  • Report abandoned vehicles quickly with photos and exact location to help bylaw officers assess removal.
  • The City manages complaints via 311 and an online report system; enforcement is handled by Bylaw Enforcement and Parking Services.
  • For safety or criminal concerns, contact the Vancouver Police Department rather than the City reporting channels.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Vancouver - Report an abandoned vehicle
  2. [2] City of Vancouver - Bylaw Enforcement

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