A Warning to Backyard Mechanics

Beware, classic car enthusiasts, this story could happen to you.

Take heed you who enjoy working on vehicles but whose hobbies have taken over your garage and those vehicles are left outside… your hobby is in danger.

Pay attention, custom car designers, creating that personal ultimate dream car, who enjoys working in the driveway on your private property… the thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours you’ve spent on your pet project could be considered worthless by your neighbors and local officials.

Why the warning?

Someone I know, who would prefer to remain anonymous, has had a classic car parked in the driveway of their private property for two years. A neighbor recently called a complaint in to the local police department about this “junk”. An officer was dispatched and the property owner was told that he was required to register his vehicle, regardless that it wasn’t currently being driven, or be fined for having a “junk vehicle” in town.

This is the ordinance provided:

A junk vehicle is a vehicle that:

(1) Is three years old or older;

(2) Is extensively damaged, with the damage

(including things as broken or missing wheels, motor, drive train or transmission;)

(3) Is apparently inoperable;

(4) Does not have a valid, current registration plate; and

(5) Has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.

When it was pointed out that the vehicle is worth more than scrap yard price, despite not being ready for road use, the officer said that it needed to be registered or pay the consequences. If they didn’t want to register the vehicle, then it needed to be stored in the garage.

Wait… what?

A vehicle you love to look at, but don’t drive, is not allowed to sit outside without “required” registration because it offends the neighbor; yet, it can be stored in the garage without so-called required registration? Then, it’s not really required, is it? Instead, it is a problem of harassment and bullying.

The local DMV was asked if an unused vehicle is required to have registration. Some states do require it, but this one has no reference on that and simply said they would rather not get involved in a police matter.

The city lawyer was asked about the situation and refused to look up the laws for the questions asked. Instead, advising that they should sell the vehicle to prove its value. He also stated that it would be futile to take the matter to court for something as frivolous as a principle – especially when they really can’t afford the cost.

Aren’t city lawyers there to answer city law questions? So, only those dripping with money have the right to not be bullied and have the law upheld – or even looked into? That sounds a lot like discrimination to me.

The city council was consulted and they ruled that the vehicle was “junk” after the police officer falsely claimed that the vehicle had missing parts (all of the parts are there… it just needs a tune up to safely drive on the road). Did I mention that one of the council members is a neighbor?

The cost of the vehicle registration is not a big deal. Most people would simply pay it and forget it.

However, the ordinance… the law… is:

A junk vehicle is a vehicle that:

(1) Is three years old or older;

(2) Is extensively damaged, with the damage

including things as broken or missing wheels, motor, drive train or transmission;

(3) Is apparently inoperable;

(4) Does not have a valid, current registration plate; and

(5) Has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.

“And” means “including” or “in addition to”.

If you ignore that “AND”, then:

- any car over 3 years old is “junk” and can be towed away despite being on private property - unless it is safely stored in the garage (woe to you if you don’t have one!)

- any car that is waiting for parts, or for the owner to be able to afford the work to be done, is “junk” and can be confiscated regardless of value (perhaps, even a Ferrari with a blown engine)

- any less-than-perfect vehicle could be at risk of being extremely under-valued by someone who doesn’t appreciate the view and can be auctioned off or crushed without consent like some crime scene

Who is to say then that your “junk” car is protected from your neighbor’s complaints then after having the vehicle registered?

On the other hand, if we are going to be selective of that “AND”, then it would be perfectly acceptable to keep the remnants of what got mangled by a train on display in the back yard as long as you keep the registration up-to-date.

The ordinance… the law… then is completely irrelevant.

The law is supposed to be there to protect you and your property. But, if those in authority refuse to stand up in that defense then the neighbors with louder mouths or in a higher tax bracket are the ones calling the shots and there is no protection. And, if this law can be ignored by those in authority, then what is to say that others will be upheld? How are we protected? THAT is the issue.

It is no wonder people are disgusted by the police. Although I personally think that, most of the time, they are simply trying to do their job, there are obvious flaws in the system that allow others to use them as personal puppets (like in this experience). Does that make you feel safe and trusting?

It is an old story of those with the money have the power and seem to be above the law.

So, be sure to:

- register your vehicle (even if it isn’t going to be on the road and not required)

- clean out that garage so it can be put out of sight of the neighbors’ prying eyes

- and, if you can’t afford to fix it in under a month, you better sell it for scrap

Otherwise, your neighbor could complain and your property will be removed for you (as long as the police do it, it’s legal, right?).

Likewise, be careful what flowers or art you put in the garden… the neighbor might be able to complain about that and you could lose your home…

Furthermore, be sure to consult with the neighborhood about what style and color clothing your children should wear or that could become an issue at some point… they are, after all, in public view and may be deemed objectionable to behold.

Ridiculous, you say? Maybe. But, how would you feel if it were your property at risk with those in authority giving contradictory responses to simple questions like:

Is it a requirement that ALL vehicles, including those not being driven on public roads, have current license plate tags? Where does it say that? And why, then, is it not required if the vehicle is parked in a garage?

Seems simple enough, but... well, you have been warned.