City of Portland, OR

10/29/2024 | Press release | Archived content

News Release: No visible license plate and VIN? Your vehicle is now subject to tow without notice

Press Release
PBOT Parking Enforcement begins enforcing new city code on Tuesday, Nov. 12
Published
October 29, 2024 11:27 am

(Oct. 29, 2024) Following recent changes to city code, Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) parking enforcement will now order an automatic tow for any vehicle that does not have a visible vehicle identification number (VIN) and does not display at least one license plate, beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

A vehicle's VIN is typically visible on the driver's side of the dashboard, where it meets the windshield and can most easily be read from the outside looking in through the windshield. In Oregon, vehicles are required to show two license plates - front and back - with the exception for some types of vehicles like mopeds and motorcycles which only require one plate on the back.

Allowing for an automatic tow will help parking enforcement officers more quickly clear vehicles in violation of city code from the public right-of-way - including abandoned autos.

Illegally parked vehicles in the public right-of-way can be reported 7 days a week to the Parking Enforcement Division by calling 503-823-5195 on Monday to Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 11:15 p.m., Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 11:15 p.m., and Sunday from 8:45 a.m. to 11:15 p.m.All other times, contact Police non-emergency at 503-823-3333.

If you believe your vehicle was towed, contact Portland Police Auto Records at 503-823-0044 to locate your vehicle and learn how to get it back. Additional information about vehicle towing is available at portland.gov/transportation/regulatory/towing-faq. A towing hardship fund managed by PBOT is available for victims of auto theft and others living on low income needing to retrieve towed and impounded vehicles.