§ 50-2401. Definitions.

Prior Codifications

1981 Ed., § 40-831.

Effect of Amendments

D.C. Law 13-267 rewrote pars. (1)(D) and (2), which had read:

"(D) That has remained on private property for more than 30 days and is inoperable in that one or more of its major mechanical components, including, but not limited to, engine, transmission, drive train or wheels, is missing or not functional unless such vehicle is kept in an enclosed building completely shielded from the view of individuals on the adjoining properties; or"

"(2) 'Junk vehicle' means any vehicle that is wrecked, dismantled, or in irreparable condition."

D.C. Law 15-35 rewrote the section which had read as follows:

"For the purpose of this chapter, the term:

"(1) 'Abandoned vehicle' means any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer;

"(A) That is inoperable and left unattended on public property for more than 72 hours;

"(B) That has remained illegally on public property for more than 72 hours;

"(C) That has remained on public property for more than 72 hours and:

"(i) Is not displaying current valid registration; or

"(ii) Is displaying registration of another vehicle;

"(D) That has remained on private property for more than 3 months and is inoperable in that one of its major mechanical components, including, but not limited to, engine, transmission, drive train or wheels, is missing or not functional unless such vehicle is kept in an enclosed building completely shielded from the view of individuals on the adjoining properties; or

"(E) That has remained unclaimed for 45 days after proper notice.

"(2) 'Junk vehicle' means any vehicle that has remained on private property for more than 7 days and is inoperable in that more than one of its major mechanical components, including, but not limited to, engine, transmission, drive train or wheels, is missing or not functional unless such vehicle is kept in an enclosed building completely shielded from the view of individuals on the adjoining properties; or any vehicle that is wrecked, dismantled, or in irreparable condition."

Emergency Act Amendments

For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 13(c)(1) of the Removal and Disposition of Abandoned, Dangerous and Other Unlawfully Parked Vehicles Reform Emergency Act of 2002 (D.C. Act 15-104, June 20, 2003, 50 DCR 5534).

For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 13(c)(1) of Removal and Disposition of Abandoned and Other Unlawfully Parked Vehicles Reform Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-171, October 6, 2003, 50 DCR 9163).

Legislative History of Laws

For legislative history of D.C. Law 8-24, see Historical and Statutory Notes following § 50-2622.

Law 11-95, the "Prohibition on Abandoned Vehicles Amendment Act of 1995," was introduced in Council and assigned Bill No. 11-071, which was referred to the Committee on Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. The Bill was adopted on first and second readings on November 7, 1995, and December 5, 1995, respectively. Signed by the Mayor on December 19, 1995, it was assigned Act No. 11-178 and transmitted to both Houses of Congress for its review. D.C. Law 11-95 became effective on February 28, 1996.

Law 13-267, the "Prohibition on Abandoned Vehicles Amendment Act of 2000", was introduced in Council and assigned Bill No. 13-407, which was referred to the Committee on Public Works and the Environment. The Bill was adopted on first and second readings on November 8, 2000, and December 5, 2000, respectively. Signed by the Mayor on January 5, 2001, it was assigned Act No. 13-557 and transmitted to both Houses of Congress for its review. D.C. Law 13-267 became effective on April 3, 2001.

For Law 15-35, see notes following § 50-2201.03.

Effective Dates

Section 12 of D.C. Law 8-24 provided that the act shall take effect after a 30- day period of Congressional review following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the Mayor, action by the Council of the District of Columbia to override the veto) as provided in § 1-206.02(c)(1), and publication in either the District of Columbia Register, the District of Columbia Statutes-at-Large, or the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations; or by November 1, 1989, whichever occurs later. D.C. Law 8-24 was effective September 9, 1989.

Miscellaneous Notes

Effect of repeal provisions: Section 14 of D.C. Law 15-35 provides: "Any repeal of a law or regulation by this act shall not invalidate any enforcement action, adjudication, or any other action made or taken pursuant to such law or regulation."

Application of Law 15-35: Section 15 of D.C. Law 15-35 provides: "This act shall apply to all vehicles impounded after its effective date. This act shall also apply to all vehicles impounded prior to its effective date provided that notice is sent to the owners and lien holders in accordance with the provisions of subsections 7(b) or (c), as is applicable."