Spokane Valley, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (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.
Full Breakdown
SVMC § 9.40.040(A)(1) prohibits stopping, standing, or parking any vehicle meeting the definition of a "junk vehicle" on a public right-of-way, and it stays a violation even if the vehicle is later moved to another spot on the same right-of-way; § 9.40.040(A)(2) does the same for a vehicle with a registration expired more than 45 days under RCW 46.55.113. SVMC § 7.05.020 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.
On private property, § 7.05.040(N) makes storing a junk or unlicensed vehicle a nuisance, with exceptions for a vehicle fully enclosed in a lawful structure, one at a licensed dismantler, dealer, or repair business, one actively being repaired in good faith for up to 60 days (extendable once for a maximum of 120 days total, evidenced by repair invoices or a sworn declaration), and up to one junk or unlicensed vehicle per parcel in the R-1 through R-4 zones if it is completely sight-screened by landscaping, a berm, or fencing under Chapter 22.70 SVMC.
Right-of-way junk vehicles are treated as unauthorized vehicles subject to impoundment 24 hours after notice is posted, under § 9.40.040(C) and RCW 46.55.085, plus the $50.00 daily fine in § 9.40.050; private-property violations instead proceed through the Chapter 17.100 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?
Can I keep a junk car in my driveway while I fix it up?
Is a junk vehicle allowed anywhere on Spokane Valley streets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane Valley
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