Prohibition on Abandoned Vehicles Emergency Declaration Resolution of 1998
PR 12-1078

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A PROPOSED RESOLUTION IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

To declare the existence of an emergency, with respect to the need to authorize the removal of  abandoned or junk vehicles when the vehicles are parked on public or private property with the property owner's consent, to establish a towing fee of $175 for large impounded vehicles, and to reduce the notice period before an abandoned vehicle may be removed 24 hours when the vehicle does not display license plates assigned to that vehicle may be removed to 24 hours when the vehicle does not display license plates assigned that vehicle or do not have a Vehicle Identification Number.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the "Prohibition on Abandoned Vehicles Emergency Declaration Resolution of 1998".

Sec. 2. (a) There exist an immediate crisis regarding abandon vehicles and the immediate threat they create to the health safety and economic well being of the District's residents.

(b) These vehicles are attractive nuisances and are frequently safety hazards that injure children who often play in or around them.

(c) Abandoned vehicles also invite scavengers who, in disassembling the vehicles, create unsightly debris that affects the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods which has a negative impact upon property values and creates fire hazards.

(d) Debris and vehicles carcasses are unsanitary and become breeding grounds for rodents, mosquitos, and other pest.

(e) Abandoned vehicles also provide places of concealment for criminals, vagrants, and drunks.

(f) Further, these vehicles provide places to conceal criminal activity including storage for drugs, guns, and other contraband.

(g) Immediate action must be taken in order to protect District citizens from the adverse health and safety effects caused by abandoned vehicles.

Sec. 3. The Council of the District of Columbia determines that the circumstances enumerated in section 2 constitute emergency circumstances making it necessary that the Prohibition on Abandoned Vehicles Emergency Amendment Act of 1998 be adopted after a single reading.

Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.