Removing Junk Vehicles

UNDERSTANDING AUTO THEFT

A "junk vehicle" must meet at least 3 of these 4 definitions:
it is at least 3 years old, extensively damaged, apparently inoperable, and a fair market value equal to the approximate scrap value.

SMC 11.14.268 Full Definition of Junk Vehicle

A Junk Vehicle is different than an Abandoned Vehicle, which is defined as a vehicle left on a public street for over 72 hours. You can report an Abandoned Vehicle by filling out the Abandoned Vehicle online form, or calling the hotline at (206) 684-8763.

REMOVING A JUNK VEHICLE

You have the right to remove a junk vehicle--even if you are not the titled owner of the vehicle--if the vehicle is on private property that you own, rent or manage.

REQUESTING A NEW TITLE

If you are the registered owner for a vehicle, but are missing the title, please contact the Department of Licensing to request a new one.

JUNK VEHICLES ON ANOTHER PERSON'S PROPERTY

Under Seattle Municipal Code, people can only have 3 "running" cars on their property. Additional and non-running cars are a code violation, as is unsightly junk in their yard such as broken down appliances, couches in yard, or illegal actities such as running a repair shop in a residential, unzoned garage.

Code Enforcement follows up on these types of complaints.
Code Enforcement Hotline (206) 684-7899.

REPORT A JUNK VEHICLE

IN CITY OF SEATTLE
(206) 684-8946

IN KING COUNTY
(206) 296-4437

REPORT AN
ABANDONED VEHICLE

HOTLINE
(206) 684-8763

ONLINE FORM