Understanding Orange Tags on Vehicles: What They Mean and What to Do

If you’ve ever walked outside to find a bright orange tag taped or tied to your vehicle, you know it can be a jarring experience. These tags aren’t decorative—they’re official warnings, and they signal that something is wrong. Whether your car has been marked as abandoned, inoperable, or a safety hazard, an orange tag is a sign that immediate action is required.

Orange tags are most commonly issued by local authorities, such as city parking enforcement, police departments, or code compliance offices. These tags are used to notify vehicle owners that their car has been identified as violating a local ordinance or state regulation. It’s not necessarily an automatic ticket, but it is the first step in a legal process that can end with your vehicle being towed, impounded, or even scrapped—sometimes within a matter of days.

Why Do Cars Get Orange-Tagged?
There are several reasons your vehicle might be tagged:

Apparent Abandonment: If your car has been parked in the same location for an extended period, especially on a public street, it may be considered abandoned. This is especially true if it hasn’t moved in days and shows no signs of recent use.

Visible Disrepair: Missing wheels, broken windows, flat tires, significant body damage, or other signs of neglect can prompt authorities to consider the vehicle inoperable or abandoned.

Safety Concerns: If your car is blocking a driveway, fire hydrant, sidewalk, or intersection, or if it’s parked in an unsafe or illegal area (like a construction zone or near a school crossing), it may be tagged.

Expired Registration or Plates: Some jurisdictions also target vehicles with outdated tags or no visible license plate.

How Quickly Can a Vehicle Be Tagged?

The timing varies depending on local and state laws. In some cities, authorities can place an orange tag on a vehicle after just 72 hours of inactivity or illegal parking. In others, it may take five to seven days before tagging occurs. However, once the tag is placed, a countdown begins.

Most orange tags will state a deadline—often between 24 to 72 hours—by which the issue must be resolved. If no action is taken within that timeframe, the city may proceed with towing the vehicle.

What to Do If You Find an Orange Tag on Your Car
Stay Calm and Read the Tag Carefully
The tag usually contains crucial information: the reason for the warning, a contact number, and a deadline for action. It may also include the date the car was first observed and the final date before towing is scheduled.

Contact Local Authorities Immediately
Don’t wait. Reach out to the issuing agency—usually listed on the tag. Ask why your car was flagged and what steps you need to take to resolve the issue. They may require you to prove ownership, update registration, or move the vehicle.

Resolve the Issue Promptly
If the issue is a mechanical problem, try to repair the vehicle or move it to a private location such as your driveway or garage. If it’s parked illegally, relocate it to a safe and legal spot. If the tag was issued due to expired plates or registration, update your documents and display them prominently.

Dispute If Necessary
If you believe the tag was issued in error—perhaps the car is fully operational, legally parked, and up to date—you can ask about the appeals process. Document your case with photos, registration papers, and proof of movement if needed.

Why It Matters
Ignoring an orange tag can quickly become an expensive mistake. If the car is towed, you’ll likely face towing fees, impound charges, and storage costs, which can add up rapidly. In some cities, daily storage fees can exceed $50, and if you don’t claim your vehicle within a specific window, it may be auctioned off or destroyed.

Orange tags are not just bureaucratic nuisances—they are designed to help keep public areas safe, accessible, and orderly. Abandoned or inoperable vehicles can attract vandalism, reduce neighborhood appeal, and present traffic hazards.

How to Prevent Orange Tagging
Avoid Long-Term Street Parking: If you need to leave your car parked for several days, make sure it’s legal to do so. Private property is safer than public streets.

Keep Your Vehicle Maintained: Flat tires, shattered windows, and missing parts are red flags.

Stay Current on Registration: Make sure your license plates and tags are up to date and clearly visible.

Use “Move It” Reminders: In busy cities with street sweeping or rotating parking rules, consider setting reminders to move your car regularly.

In Summary:

An orange tag is not a final sentence—it’s a warning. And if you act quickly, you can usually avoid the worst-case scenario. Understand what the tag means, follow up immediately, and take the necessary steps to either resolve or dispute the issue. Being proactive can save you stress, money, and the headache of recovering a towed or impounded vehicle.

By staying aware of local parking laws and keeping your vehicle in legal condition, you can avoid the surprise of an orange tag—and everything that might come with it.