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Spokane Valley, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Junk vehicle test
3 of 4 criteria, § 7.05.020
Right-of-way rule
Prohibited outright, § 9.40.040(A)(1)
Private-property repair exception
Up to 120 days total
Screened exception
1 vehicle, R-1-R-4, sight-screened
ROW impound trigger
24 hours after posted notice

Summary

Spokane Valley bans junk vehicles on public rights-of-way under SVMC § 9.40.040(A)(1) and treats them as a nuisance on private property under § 7.05.040(N). A "junk vehicle" is defined in § 7.05.020 as one meeting three of four criteria: age, damage, inoperability, or scrap-only value.

No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle: 1. On a public right-of-way when that vehicle meets the definition of a junk vehicle pursuant to SVMC § 7.05.020, regardless of whether the vehicle is subsequently moved to another area of public right-of-way.

View official code

Full Breakdown

113. 020 defines "junk vehicle" as a vehicle meeting at least three of four criteria: it is three years old or older, is extensively damaged (a broken window or windshield or missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission), is apparently inoperable, or has a fair market value equal only to its scrap value. 70 SVMC. 100 SVMC nuisance-abatement and civil-penalty process.

Violations & Fines

On the street, a junk vehicle is towable 24 hours after a notice is posted, plus a $50.00-per-day fine under SVMC § 9.40.050. On private property, it's a nuisance enforced through Chapter 17.100 SVMC, which can bring a notice and order, civil penalties, and City abatement with costs billed back to the responsible party.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a vehicle "junk" under Spokane Valley's code?
Meeting at least three of four tests in SVMC § 7.05.020: it's three years old or older, extensively damaged (like a broken windshield or missing wheels, motor, or transmission), apparently inoperable, or worth only its scrap value. Meeting three of the four is enough to trigger enforcement.
Can I keep a junk car in my driveway while I fix it up?
Yes, temporarily. SVMC § 7.05.040(N)(3) exempts a vehicle actually being repaired in good faith, shown through recent repair invoices or a sworn statement, for up to 60 days, with one possible additional 60-day extension the city manager can grant, for a maximum of 120 days total.
Is a junk vehicle allowed anywhere on Spokane Valley streets?
No. SVMC § 9.40.040(A)(1) prohibits parking a junk vehicle on any public right-of-way outright, even if it's later moved to another spot on the same right-of-way, and it becomes subject to impoundment 24 hours after a notice is posted on it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Spokane Valley

Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsRV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsCommercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsDriveway RulesLight RestrictionsEV ChargingLight RestrictionsLoading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions

All Spokane Valley rules

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