DC prohibits abandoned vehicles on public streets after 72 hours of continuous parking under DC Code section 50-2421.02 and DCMR 18-2405. Vehicles with expired tags, flat tires, or extensive damage may be booted, ticketed, and towed. Vehicles stored in public view on private property with inoperable condition violate DCMR 18-2406 and DCMR 14-805.
DC defines a vehicle as abandoned under DC Code 50-2401 if left on public space for more than 72 continuous hours, or left on private property without the owner's consent. DPW's Parking Enforcement Management Administration (PEMA) and MPD enforce the rule. A vehicle identified as abandoned is first tagged; after 72 hours the vehicle may be towed to the Blue Plains impoundment lot or to a contracted lot. Vehicles with two or more unpaid tickets totaling at least $100 are eligible for immediate booting under DC Code 50-2303.03. Vehicles on private property must be registered, operable, and not stored in the front yard β DCMR 14-805 (Property Maintenance Code) requires inoperable or unregistered vehicles on residential property to be screened from public view in an enclosed garage or behind an opaque fence. Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds cannot be stored on residential property at all. After 30 days at Blue Plains without owner response, DC auctions or scraps the vehicle per DC Code 50-2421.06. Owners pay tow fees ($100+), storage ($25/day), plus outstanding tickets before reclaiming.
Abandoned on public street: $100 ticket plus towing ($100-$300+) and storage ($25/day). Inoperable vehicle on private property in view: $100 civil fine per DCMR 14-805 plus 14-day correction notice. Commercial vehicle stored residentially: $75 per day plus towing.
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