A Neighbor’s Junk Car: What You Can Do in Washington

Your neighbor may have no idea it bothers you. They may also be stuck: no title, no money for a tow, or a car that belonged to someone they lost. It helps to start from there.

• “I wanted to ask about the car by the fence. Is it something you are planning to fix?”
• “I noticed it is leaking toward my yard, and I wanted you to know before it gets worse.”
• “If getting it moved is the hard part, some haulers tow for free. It might even be worth a little.”

If a talk is awkward, a short, friendly note works too. Keep it factual and do not put it on the car. Give it a few weeks unless there is a safety or spill concern.

You are welcome to pass along our number, (206) 941-0612, or this page on non-running car removal. We tow for free and the car does not need to run. The owner is the one who would need to call.

• Do not move it, tow it or hire someone to, even if it spills onto your side.
• Do not take parts, drain it or siphon anything out.
• Do not climb onto their property to take photos. Take them from your own side or the street.
• Do not offer to “sign for” them, or buy a title from someone who is not the owner.
• Do not sell a car that is not yours. The State Patrol guide tells landowners “You cannot sell or assume ownership” even for a car on their own land, outside the junk vehicle process.

This table shows only what we could read at the source. If your city’s row sends you to city hall, that means we could not verify the details, and we would rather say so than guess.

Outside city limits, ask your county’s code enforcement office.

• The address, and where on the property the car sits.
• Make, model, color and plate, if you can see them from your side.
• How long it has been there, with dated photos.
• Anything that affects safety, such as leaks, broken glass or open doors.
• Ask whether your name will be shared with the owner, if that matters to you.

A spill is a different call. If you see fluid reaching a storm drain or a creek, report it. Ecology’s spill page lists 1-800-OILS-911, open 24/7. A spill to water must be reported immediately to both 1-800-258-5990 and 1-800-424-8802.

RCW 46.55.240 allows cities to abate junk vehicles on private property. The costs can be charged to the registered owner, unless a report of sale was filed, or else to the property owner, and a landowner may deny responsibility at the hearing. A vehicle fully enclosed in a building and not visible is exempt, and so is one held by a licensed dismantler.

So if the neighbor moves the car into a closed garage, your report is likely done. Several of the city codes we read include notice and hearing rights, so this can take a while. Our guide to code violation notices shows what your neighbor will be dealing with.

If you think the car is stolen or dumped, tell the police non-emergency line. If your neighbor wants to sell, they can read how a pickup works.