Legal Question in Traffic Law in Washington

Re: Abandoned Vehicles

I'd bet SOMEBODY has a law against leaving a vehicle parked so long in a public street or road. You MIGHT find it under what are called "NUISANCE LAWS," so if you're calling around to various agencies, I'd mention that phrase as well. I presume that your neighbor is leaving his truck on a ROADWAY of some sort. Obviously, if he's leaving it on YOUR property, you'd PROBABLY have the right to have it towed away, and to bill him for the tow, if you at least gave reasonable prior warning, preferably in writing. There may be laws in your area on that, so you should probably call a local lawyer or the appropriate governmental police agency, and get an opinion or two, in writing, before you start towing.

FIRST question: Have you tried just politely and pleasantly ASKING the guy not to leave his truck in front of your house? I realize it may not seem right to you that he just parks in front of YOUR house at will; and, it does sound kind of rude for a neighbor, but he might just be ignorant or inconsiderate, and not realize he's causing a problem, and then not give it a second thought! So, don't start off the conversation with a chip on your shoulder, since if you hadn't complained up to now, HE may well have figured it just didn't bother you!

SECOND question: WHY should he move the truck? Is it blocking your view, or causing some other difficulty or annoyance, or is it an old dumpy eyesore? If so, you should probably LET HIM KNOW WHY it's a problem for you, when you talk to him! From what you said, it seemed like there was very little communication between you and your neighbor.

If asking him doesn't stop him, THEN you can see what the LAWS say. You may well be at THAT stage already. If you're not sure if you are in an incorporated area, just call your LOCAL SHERIFF, and ASK THEM the same question. If THEY don't know (and I'd be surprised if they don't), then ask THEM who WOULD know. IF you are near a municipality and you're unsure if you're in that municipality or not, CALL THEM! They can surely tell you. I say this because you said you were not sure if you were in an unincorporated area. The LIKELIEST level of government to have a law about this is the local municipality, but there could even be a state law against it. Just start making calls with various governmental agencies. After an hour or less of your time, you'll likely find the answer to your question!

Sorry I don't know the ACTUAL law that might govern, but you don't mention what town you're near; and even then, you might STILL have to call them anyway, to find out!

Good luck!

Sam