If you ever walk up to your car and spot a bright orange tag stuck to your windshield or rear window, don’t assume it’s a harmless flyer or a parking reminder. That orange tag carries serious implications, and ignoring it could lead to your vehicle being towed or impounded. These tags are not random—they’re placed intentionally by local authorities, such as city parking enforcement or law enforcement officers, as an official warning that your vehicle may be considered abandoned, inoperable, or a potential hazard.

The tag serves as the first step in a legal process that could ultimately result in the removal of your car from public property. So what prompts authorities to slap one of these tags on a vehicle? While exact regulations can vary by state or municipality, the reasoning is often the same. Vehicles are typically tagged when they appear to be abandoned or not in working condition. If a car looks like it’s been sitting in one place for an extended period—especially if it has flat tires, is missing parts like wheels, windows, or bumpers, or is visibly damaged—it will raise red flags. Additionally, cars that haven’t been moved for several days or weeks, particularly on public streets, may be targeted, even if they appear intact. Another common reason is safety: vehicles that are blocking driveways, impeding traffic, or parked in dangerous or illegal areas might be tagged regardless of their condition.

Timing is crucial when dealing with an orange tag. In many states, a car can be considered abandoned after just 72 hours of sitting unmoved in a public space. Other states may allow a slightly longer period, but rarely more than a week. Once that tag is placed, you are on the clock. Delaying action can result in your car being towed, and recovering it from the impound lot can be both expensive and time-consuming. So if you find yourself facing an orange tag, what should you do? First and foremost, don’t ignore it. The very first step is to contact your local police department, parking enforcement, or city office responsible for vehicle code enforcement. They’ll be able to tell you why your car was tagged, what specific violation was noted, and what your deadline is for taking corrective action. The next step is to resolve the issue.

If your car is inoperable, you may need to get it repaired or moved to a private driveway or garage. If it was tagged due to being parked too long in one spot, simply moving it may be enough. Sometimes, the vehicle just needs to be shown as roadworthy—for example, having current registration, valid plates, and no visible safety concerns. If you believe the orange tag was issued in error, don’t hesitate to ask about the appeals process.

Many cities offer a way for car owners to dispute a tag, especially if they have documentation to support their case. For instance, if you have maintenance records showing the car is operational, or if you were out of town and can prove the vehicle was not abandoned, this information can work in your favor. However, timing is still everything—if you wait too long to appeal or act, your car might be towed before your case is even heard. It’s important to understand what an orange tag really means. It’s not a ticket, and it’s not a minor inconvenience. It’s a notice that your vehicle is under scrutiny and may be removed soon. Acting quickly can save you hundreds of dollars in towing and storage fees and help you avoid the stress of tracking down your car after it’s been taken to an impound lot. It also protects you from the risk of your vehicle being declared abandoned and potentially auctioned off. The key takeaway is simple: stay informed, pay attention to your vehicle’s condition and location, and take action immediately if you see that orange tag. Whether it’s a matter of moving your car, making quick repairs, or contacting local authorities for clarification, prompt attention can prevent a minor issue from turning into a major hassle. Your vehicle is a valuable asset—don’t let a simple oversight cost you more than it has to.