The Vehicle Recovery Section (VRS) is responsible for removing abandoned, unregistered, and illegally parked junk vehicles from public roads. The VRS can also provide guidance to community neighborhoods, commercial and residential property owners in the legal disposal of vehicles. Problem vehicles on private community roads and parking lots must first be reported to the applicable Homeowners Association (HOA), who will contact the VRS office.

Commercial properties and private land owners may contact the VRS office for removal of vehicles. The towing service must be paid by the property owner/commercial management company after a towing consent form has been submitted to and approved by VRS. Consent forms are provided by VRS, which can be faxed, emailed or picked up in person. VRS hosts a monthly auction selling seized and abandoned vehicles. No reimbursement for towing expenses are made for private property tows. Complaints for vehicles on public roadways are generally handled in the order received and may take 7-10 days for final disposition. The section also manages the Police Towing Regulations and resolves complaints related to police-ordered tows.

For more information, contact VRS at 240.773.6411 or send an email to abandoned.vehicle@montgomerycountymd.gov. Recorded information and answers to frequently-asked-questions about VRS services are available 24 hours a day. VRS hours of operation are Mon-Fri 7 AM - 3:30 PM, except holidays. Auctions are conducted on the fourth Saturday of each month with the gate opens at 7:30 AM and the auction begins at 9 AM. Bidders must be checked-in prior to 9 AM and must possess a government-issued picture identification.