BISMARCK, N.D. – Winter travel results in an increased number of stalled or stranded vehicles being left on the roadside. The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) investigates abandoned vehicles left along the highway to ensure abandoned vehicles are not occupied and there are no immediate safety concerns. Troopers verify the vehicles are not stolen and try to contact the registered vehicle owner. Searched vehicles are tagged with an orange Abandoned Vehicle Notice tag.
According to NDHP Safety and Education Officer Lt. Michael Roark, “If a vehicle is tagged, it must be moved within 48 hours. However, if the vehicle obstructs traffic or endangers public safety, it will be immediately towed.” Public safety concerns do include ongoing or imminent winter weather since the vehicle can cause drifting snow to block lanes of travel and pose a danger to other travelers.