Abandoned Vehicle Laws in Ohio

A vehicle must be severely damaged to be determined salvage.

Ohio abandoned vehicle laws require a vehicle be considered salvage to no longer be deemed a motor vehicle. Once a vehicle no longer resembles the vehicle as described on the vehicle title, it can be considered abandoned or salvage.

Abandonment and Salvage

To be considered a salvaged or abandoned vehicle, the automobile or truck must have been destroyed, dismantled or altered to the extent that it has lost its ability to be characterized as a motor vehicle. Damage to the vehicle may occur from fire, vandalism, flood or collision.

Salvage Titles

An insurance company makes the determination on whether the vehicle has been damaged to the extent it is no longer economically feasible for repairs to be undertaken. The motor vehicle owner must secure a salvage title from the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 30 days of the determination.

Rebuilt Salvage Titles

Ohio law allows the opportunity to repair the vehicle for the purpose of securing a rebuilt salvage title. The motor vehicle must be inspected by the Ohio State Highway Patrol to gain permission to file for a rebuilt salvage title. An inspection packet is available for a fee from the local DMV office.

References

• DMV: Ohio Salvage Laws