An orange tag on a vehicle isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a silent siren, a very real warning that something is wrong. Typically placed by local authorities, these tags signal that a car is considered abandoned, damaged, illegally parked, or potentially hazardous. And if that bright sticker is ignored, the consequences can escalate quickly—from fines to towing to full impoundment.

But how does a car end up tagged in the first place?

Authorities look for signs of neglect or risk. A vehicle may be flagged if it appears inoperable—missing wheels, broken windows, flat tires—or if it hasn’t moved from the same spot for an extended period. Even a perfectly working car can be tagged if it’s blocking traffic, sitting in a fire lane, or creating any kind of safety concern. The timeframe varies by city, but in many areas, as little as 72 hours is enough for a car to be labeled “abandoned.”

What to Do If Your Car Gets Tagged

Don’t panic—but absolutely do not ignore it.
Once that tag goes on, a countdown begins.

Your first step should be contacting your local parking enforcement or code compliance office. They can explain the specific reason the tag was placed, how long you have to respond, and what steps are required to remove it.

If your car is damaged, fix it.
If it’s illegally parked, move it.
If you believe the tag was issued unfairly, gather evidence—photos, documents, witnesses—and follow your city’s appeal process. Acting quickly is your best defense.

Why Acting Fast Matters

An orange tag isn’t a suggestion. It’s a formal notice that the vehicle is now under scrutiny. Ignoring it may lead to:

• Fines and mounting penalties

• Your car being towed

• Permanent impoundment in more serious cases

Authorities don’t place these tags lightly, and once the process starts, reversing it becomes increasingly difficult and expensive.

Final Tip

To avoid ever seeing that bright sticker on your window, make sure your car is always:

• Properly registered and insured

• Parked legally and safely

• In operable, road-worthy condition

Because when it comes to orange tags, the message is simple:
A small notice can become a very big problem—unless you act fast.