Remove Abandoned Vehicles and File a Complaint in Montréal

Public Safety Quebec 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Quebec

In Montréal, Quebec, abandoned vehicles on public streets or on private property can create safety hazards and obstruct services. This guide explains who enforces municipal rules, the practical steps for reporting and documenting an abandoned vehicle, what removal looks like, and how enforcement, fines and appeals typically proceed. It is aimed at residents, property owners and neighbourhood associations who need clear, practical steps to get a vehicle inspected, towed or removed and to follow up if the city does not act promptly.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Montréal delegates response to abandoned vehicles to municipal by-law enforcement and towing services under applicable city regulations and local by-laws; specific enforcement procedures are administered by the city’s By-law Enforcement division and public works units. Where the city provides explicit fines or penalty schedules on published by-laws those figures are listed below; where a fine or escalation is not stated on the cited municipal page the text notes "not specified on the cited page." Current as of February 2026.

Report an abandoned vehicle promptly because delays can make removal harder.
  • Common violations: vehicle immobile on a public roadway for extended periods, visible disrepair or fire damage, blocking access to sidewalks or driveways.
  • Enforcer: City of Montréal — By-law Enforcement / Direction de l'application des règlements; inspection and towed removal are arranged by city crews or contracted towing firms.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page; the city may issue notices then proceed to tow and recover costs.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal/towing of the vehicle, impoundment fees, administrative orders to owner, and possible court action to recover costs.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: file a report with the City of Montréal complaint portal or By-law Enforcement contact to request inspection and removal.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes vary by notice type; time limits for contesting a ticket or order are not specified on the cited page — follow any deadlines on the notice or contact the issuing office.
  • Defences and discretion: common defences include proof of active registration, valid private property permission, or a temporary immobilization due to breakdown; city officers retain discretion where permits or proof are shown.

Applications & Forms

No specific removal application form is required in every case; residents use the city complaint/reporting portal to request inspection and removal. If an official form or fee is published the city’s by-law page or complaint portal lists the form name and submission method; where no form is published, residents should follow the portal process or contact By-law Enforcement directly. Current as of February 2026.

Reporting & Evidence

When you report an abandoned vehicle, provide clear details so inspectors can prioritise action: precise address or nearest civic address, licence plate (if visible), vehicle description (make, model, colour), duration observed, and photos showing condition and position. Preserve timestamps, and note whether the vehicle blocks pedestrian access or emergency services.

  • Photos: take dated photos from multiple angles showing licence plate and surrounding landmarks.
  • Timelines: indicate when you first observed the vehicle and how long it has been stationary.
  • Documentation: record any communication with the owner or neighbours that helps establish abandonment.
Keep one copy of all evidence until the case is closed.

FAQ

Who do I contact to report an abandoned vehicle?
Use the City of Montréal complaint portal or contact By-law Enforcement to request inspection and removal; include photos and the exact location.
How long before the city removes a reported abandoned vehicle?
Response times vary by priority and workload; the city’s portal or notice will show the expected timeline or you will be contacted by enforcement staff.
Will I be charged if I report a vehicle that is not abandoned?
No, residents who report suspected abandoned vehicles are not charged; however vehicle owners can be subject to towing and impound costs if removal is ordered.

How-To

  1. Document the vehicle: take clear, dated photos and note the exact location and how long it has been there.
  2. Report: submit a complaint via the City of Montréal report portal or By-law Enforcement contact channel.
  3. Follow up: keep your report reference number and reply to any city requests for more information.
  4. Pay or contest: if the vehicle is towed, the registered owner pays impound fees or may contest the order within the deadlines stated on the notice.
  5. Appeal: if you are the owner and wish to contest an order, follow the appeal instructions on the notice or contact the issuing office promptly.

Key Takeaways

  • Report quickly with photos to increase the chance of timely removal.
  • By-law Enforcement arranges inspections and removal; keep your complaint reference.
  • Fines and fees are set by municipal processes; specific amounts are not specified on the cited page.

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