How long must a vehicle be unattended on a highway to be considered abandoned?

A vehicle must be considered abandoned if it is left unattended on a highway for 48 hours. This timeframe is established under certain laws and regulations to ensure that vehicles do not obstruct traffic or present safety hazards. The 48-hour marker provides enough time for the authorities to assess whether the vehicle is truly abandoned, as vehicles may occasionally be left unattended for a short duration without being abandoned.

In contexts where vehicles are considered abandoned after shorter or longer periods, public safety and the smooth flow of traffic are the main concerns. The chosen duration balances these needs effectively, allowing for reasonable time for owners to return while also enabling timely action by law enforcement or local authorities to manage any potential traffic issues.