In 2023, a Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster was towed and left unclaimed at a Torrance tow yard. After five months, the towing company was legally allowed to sell the car to recover costs, which amounted to $11,332. The sale of the luxury vehicle, however, generated an additional $99,668, which was sent to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The original owner has until 2027 to claim these funds; otherwise, they will remain with the DMV permanently.
The DMV does not notify vehicle owners about proceeds from such sales, as state law does not require them to do so. Towing companies, storage yards, and car repair shops are permitted to sell vehicles through lien sales if the debts remain unpaid and the vehicles unclaimed.
Between 2016 and the fall of 2024, the DMV collected over $8 million from approximately 5,300 cars sold at auction. In 2016 alone, the DMV collected $760,000 from such sales, with the figure rising to $1.33 million by 2023. While most cars involved are not as high-end as the Lamborghini, they still contribute significant amounts. For instance, a 2013 Kia generated $165, a 2014 Chrysler 300 brought in $1,368 more than its bill, and a 2015 Lexus coupe left $24,676 unclaimed. Additionally, a 2016 Ford F-150 and a 2019 Honda HR-V generated excess proceeds of $14,232 and $5,475, respectively. These funds remain unclaimed, as per DMV records.
