Hey Lykkers, have you ever walked past the same dusty, flat-tired car sitting in the same spot for weeks—or even months? We probably all have. It's not just an eyesore—it can mess with parking, safety, and even the vibe of our whole neighborhood.
So what can we actually do about it? Can we just call someone? Does it depend on where we live? We've put together a friendly, easy-to-follow guide on how to deal with abandoned cars around us. Let's walk through it step by step.
Before we do anything, we need to be sure the car is actually abandoned. Here's how we can usually tell:
• It hasn't moved in weeks
• The registration sticker is expired
• The tires are flat or missing
• It's covered in dirt, leaves, or trash
• Windows are broken or the car is visibly damaged
If we notice two or more of these signs, it's likely the car's been left behind. But let's also give it a few days just in case the owner is on vacation or dealing with something unexpected.
Once we're sure the car is abandoned, it's time to collect info. This is super important in case we need to report it. We should write down:
• The make, model, and color
• License plate number (if there's one)
• Where exactly the car is parked (street name, nearby house, or building)
• How long it's been there
• Any damage or obvious issues (like missing parts)
Snapping a photo or two with our phone also helps, especially if we end up reporting it to local authorities.
This step matters because the process depends on where the car is parked.
• If it's on a public street or parking lot: We can report it to our local city or town council, or call the municipal enforcement line.
• If it's on private property (like an apartment parking lot): The property manager or building owner usually needs to handle it.
If we're not sure, a quick call to city hall or the local council office can help us confirm the next step.
Most local councils or city governments have a way to report abandoned vehicles. Some let us do it online, others by phone. We just need to give them the details we wrote down earlier.
In some places, there's a waiting period—often 7 to 14 days—so they can notify the owner. If the owner doesn't respond, they'll tow the car away.
Let's be patient here—it may take a bit, but action usually follows if we report it properly.
Sometimes abandoned cars pop up right inside our housing area or apartment block. In that case, we can speak to the residents' committee or building management.
Many communities have their own rules about how long a car can stay without moving. If someone's parked a car and disappeared for months, there may be steps to send them a notice and eventually tow the car.
Even if we're fed up with that old car blocking the street, we can't just tow it ourselves. That could be considered illegal, especially if the car still belongs to someone.
Always let the proper authority handle it. It keeps everything above board and saves us from unnecessary drama.
In most cases, the car will be taken to a government-run impound lot. If the owner doesn't claim it and pay the towing fees, it might be auctioned off or scrapped.
This part isn't our responsibility—but it's good to know that the car doesn't just disappear into thin air!
Lykkers, dealing with abandoned cars might not be the most exciting task, but it really helps keep our neighborhoods looking neat and feeling safe.
By spotting the signs early, reporting things the right way, and being patient with the process, we can help our community stay organized and clutter-free.
Have you ever had to deal with an abandoned car near your home? Or are you dealing with one now? Drop a comment or share your experience—we're all in this together!