Whatcom County treats junk, wrecked, or inoperable vehicles stored in public view as a public nuisance. Washington defines a junk vehicle by meeting three of four tests, and abandoned vehicles left on public streets can be impounded after notice.
Whatcom County Code declares abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles on private property a public nuisance, with exceptions for collector and special-interest vehicles kept out of view. Washington's junk-vehicle definition (RCW 46.55.010) requires a vehicle to meet at least three tests: three or more years old, extensively damaged, apparently inoperable, or worth only its scrap value. On private property, junk vehicles must be enclosed or screened from the street. On public streets, a vehicle abandoned beyond the posted limit, often 24 to 72 hours, can be tagged and impounded after owner notice under chapter 46.55 RCW.
The county gives notice before abating a junk vehicle. Abatement and towing are billed to the owner, often $150 to $500-plus, with storage fees and possible repeat-violation fines.
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