We've all witnessed those solitary vehicles along the roadside. Perhaps they're elevated on a jack, or their fuel flap is wide open without a soul around. Occasionally, an eye-catching orange sticker adorns the front windshield or back window. Similar to many others, you likely cast a brief look at them as you drive past. keep driving But what are those orange stickers on the cars? And who places them there?
I've personally received an orange tag for my vehicle, which gave me firsthand knowledge of those stickers. However, this happened quite some time ago, so to gather the latest and most accurate information on the topic, I reached out to officials from two different cities. police departments along with a safety and legal specialist from the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Next, we'll clarify what those orange stickers on car windows signify and outline the steps you should take if you receive one of them unexpectedly.
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Who places those orange stickers on vehicles?
According to Senior Corporal Brian E. Martinez from the Dallas (Texas) Police Department and Jess Olstad, who serves as the media relations coordinator for the Minneapolis (Minnesota) Police Department, these individuals place them there. The term "law enforcement" can vary based on your location and where you parked your vehicle; this might include state or local police forces, highway patrols, city parking officials, or even state inspection agencies.
Martinez explains that in Dallas, either the parking enforcement officers or the Dallas Police Department takes care of vehicles parked on public streets. Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Public Safety manages those on highways. Similarly, Minneapolis follows a comparable system where local authorities handle these matters. traffic control Olstad mentions that officers issue tickets to vehicles parked on public roads. The regulations for such enforcement can vary depending on your specific state and city.
What is the significance of having an orange sticker on a vehicle?
I had similar thoughts until I personally spent several hours at the impound lot reclaiming my vehicle. Depending on where you live, those orange stickers usually indicate an imminent towing. Our family jokingly calls them "stickers of shame," yet there's really nothing to feel ashamed about; this could happen to anybody, couldn’t it? Couldn't it?
Here’s why vehicles could end up with an orange sticker:
Abandonment
This is typically why police attach orange stickers to vehicles, as the criteria for what constitutes abandonment along with the duration after which a car can be labeled as such differs depending on the local laws. Running out of gas And momentarily parking your vehicle is one matter, however, if you do not return within a specified period as dictated by law, your car might be deemed abandoned.
Inoperable or unsightly vehicle
Vehicles that appear unable to drive off under their own power may qualify for orange stickers as well. "Any non-functional car missing essential parts will also be deemed abandoned and will face penalties including tickets and towing," according to Olstad.
It’s not guaranteed safety even when your car is situated on private land. "There are still regulations from the City regarding cars left outside on personal property," Olstad explains, highlighting issues like absent wheels or engines and shattered windows as indicators for authorities. "Furthermore, an inspector will issue a notification to the property owner, setting a timeframe to rectify or dispose of the vehicle."
Parking violation
That’s how I ended up with the orange sticker on my car. The whole thing happened accidentally, I promise, yet what could be done about it when away from home? These stickers serve as a courtesy, offering people like myself an opportunity to address the issue. Since my car was towed prior to my return, I only noticed the orange sticker once I retrieved my vehicle. my parking spot , yet it was present, resembling a huge neon sign. Additionally, removing the sticker proved challenging; they tend to be quite adhesive.
Expired inspection sticker
In Minneapolis, "cars with expired registrations might receive a yellow tag," according to Olstad; however, your municipality might opt for an orange one instead. Additionally, you can get such a sticker if you exceed the vehicle limit on your property. As stated by Olstad, Minneapolis has a municipal rule restricting residents to parking only two vehicles at their privately-owned homes. Any extra vehicles deemed as nuisances could result in towing, regardless of whether they're within your personal premises.
What signs might indicate to police officers that a vehicle has been left unattended?
Using chalk to mark tires is a typical method employed by law enforcement officers to check if a vehicle has been relocated. As you might guess, this involves an officer making a notation on your tire using a piece of chalk and recording where the marking appears (for instance, at the six o'clock position). Should the chalked line remain in the initial spot when the officer returns later, it clearly indicates that your car did not move from its original position during the specified duration.
That's how things work in my former hometown. "In Minneapolis, cars left unattended on public roads for more than three days straight are deemed abandoned," explains Olstad. Following this, an officer chalks the car and places a warning notice. If the vehicle remains stationary beyond that period, it gets both a ticket and a tow."
What action should be taken if your vehicle has an orange sticker attached to it?
When you spot an orange sticker, immediately relocate your vehicle since this indicates limited time available. The duration varies based on where the sticker was placed; for instance, in Dallas, you must remove your car within 24 hours of receiving the notice according to Martinez. Meanwhile, Minneapolis allows up to three days, or 72 hours. Be aware that local regulations might set another timeframe specific to your area.
Once you have relocated your vehicle, contact the organization that placed the sticker and settle your fine, which can differ based on the type of infraction. This sticker should provide essential details such as a telephone number to reach or an address for submitting your payment. As stated by Martinez, in Dallas, "details regarding the placement of the sticker will be recorded through a police report along with a corresponding case number."
If you notice an orange sticker on another person's vehicle, what steps should you take?
William Van Tassel, PhD, from AAA—a specialist in driver safety—recommends giving plenty of space to vehicles with orange stickers whenever possible. He notes that many motorists know about "slow down, move over" regulations, which mandate changing lanes or taking precautions around active situations such as roadside assistance workers or police officers near highways. Similarly, AAA advises extending this courtesy to unoccupied vehicles alongside roads.
The law might not mandate performing that maneuver for a disabled, abandoned, or seemingly abandoned vehicle, but it’s still advisable," Van Tassel states. "Despite having a sticker and appearing deserted, there could be somebody under the hood working on the car that you simply cannot spot.
What could occur to your vehicle if you ignore an orange sticker?
Overlooking or failing to address an orange sticker won’t benefit you, believe me. In retrospect, I ended up paying more than $500 once my self-created predicament concluded. You'll be responsible for covering the initial fine as well as the mounting fees for storage, with daily costs adding up significantly. really Disregard the sticker; after an additional predetermined period, which might be around 30 days, your vehicle has the potential to lawfully belong to the city or state that had it impounded.
Review your local or state guidelines on vehicle impounding for additional information.
What is the significance of different colored stickers on a vehicle?
You may believe that orange stickers on vehicles are solely utilized by authorities to indicate an abandoned, non-functional, or improperly parked car; however, various vibrant hues such as red, yellow, and green can also be employed. Each area responsible for parking enforcement uses distinct sticker colors, yet these typically share the same message: Move your car since it's at risk of being towed. Believe me, experiencing this firsthand isn't something you wish to do.
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Sources:
- Brian E. Martinez, who serves as a senior corporal with the Dallas Police Department ; Email interview conducted on February 11, 2025
- Jess Olstad, who serves as the media relations coordinator for the City of Minneapolis ; Email interview conducted on February 19, 2025
- William Van Tassel, PhD Manager of Driver Training Programs at AAA; telephone interview conducted on February 13, 2025
- Dallas Police Department : “Auto Pound Unit”
- City of Minneapolis : “Parking & Vehicles”
