Removal and Disposition of Abandoned and Other Unlawfully Parked Vehicles Reform Act
Streamlining the Removal of Abandoned Cars
Abandoned vehicles are not just an eye sore; they take up very limited parking, draw rats, pose a danger with broken glass and metal shards, and exacerbate public safety issues. In 2021, DPW only removed the car in 7% of the abandoned vehicle complaints that came from the public. It was common for these abandoned cars to sit idle in our streets for months or even years after their owners gave them up. This legislation streamlines the removal of abandoned cars in our neighborhoods by simplifying definitions for what constitutes an abandoned or dangerous vehicle that is eligible for removal. At the same time, Council enhanced the budget for DPW’s boot crew and funded additional impound lot space to address the lack of capacity that prevents the agency from removing more abandoned vehicles than they currently do. These changes are making it much easier to remove abandoned cars from our communities.

Status: This legislation was passed by the Council and became law on August 5, 2022.
More Information:
Legislation aiming to improve DC’s removal of abandoned cars nears final council approval (WJLA)
Removal and Disposition of Abandoned and Other Unlawfully Parked Vehicles Reform Act
Streamlining the Removal of Abandoned Cars
Abandoned vehicles are not just an eye sore; they take up very limited parking, draw rats, pose a danger with broken glass and metal shards, and exacerbate public safety issues. In 2021, DPW only removed the car in 7% of the abandoned vehicle complaints that came from the public. It was common for these abandoned cars to sit idle in our streets for months or even years after their owners gave them up. This legislation streamlines the removal of abandoned cars in our neighborhoods by simplifying definitions for what constitutes an abandoned or dangerous vehicle that is eligible for removal. At the same time, Council enhanced the budget for DPW’s boot crew and funded additional impound lot space to address the lack of capacity that prevents the agency from removing more abandoned vehicles than they currently do. These changes are making it much easier to remove abandoned cars from our communities.

Status: This legislation was passed by the Council and became law on August 5, 2022.
More Information:
Legislation aiming to improve DC’s removal of abandoned cars nears final council approval (WJLA)