Neighborhood Protection Corps- Junk Motor Vehicles

What is a Junk Motor Vehicle?
A junk motor vehicle is any vehicle that:

• Has either an expired license plate or an invalid safety inspection sticker and
• Is wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled or discarded;
• Has either an expired license plate or an invalid safety inspection and
• Is inoperable and remains inoperable for a continuous period of more than 30 days on private property.
• Any such vehicle must be screened by completely enclosing the vehicle in a building. Car covers, tarps, bamboo shades and other types of materials are not acceptable screening.

Why are Junk Motor Vehicles Illegal?
These vehicles are in violation of City Ordinance 10, Article 8. These vehicles not only are unsightly but also provide a harbor for rats and breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Junk Motor Vehicle Violations Procedure

The following information provides the established process for what happens after a violation is reported to the City’s 3-1-1 service helpline.

1. Within seven days of a complaint to 3-1-1, a Community Service Inspector makes a site visit to determine if a violation exists.

• If there is a violation, the inspector takes photos, records the vehicle’s VIN number, leaves a warning notice stuck on the window of the car giving the owner 10 days to remove the car.
• A warning notice is also mailed to the property owner.In addition, the owner of the car (if different than the property owner) and the lien holder receive written notices.

2. After the 11th day, the inspector revisits the property to check for compliance.

• If the owner complied, the file is closed.
• If the owner did not comply, NPC begins the process to remove the violation.

  NPC's Non-Compliance Procedure:

  - NPC monitors movement of the car for the next 30 days. (In order to prove that it is a junk motor vehicle, the city must certify that the car has not been moved in over thirty days.)

  - NPC sticks a second violation on the car’s window and takes photos to document the case.
  
  - After the 31st day, NPC re-inspects the site.

  * If the owner complied, the file is closed.

  * If the owner did not comply, a hearing may be recheduled. The car is scheduled for towing and crushing by private contractors, generally within 1-2 weeks after the work order is issued.

Delaying factors can include:

• Inclement weather
• The need for a search warrant on a property that is fenced or posted as “no trespassing”
• The need to investigate barrels containing unknown substances.

How to Avoid A Citation And/Or Fine

To avoid fees and fines in excess of $250, you can contact one of the following towing companies directly who will tow and dispose of your vehicle for FREE. These companies are registered through the Houston Police Department.

lf you don't have it towed by one of the contractors listed above, you must remove the vehicle or store it in a garage or other appropriate storage facility. You may also donate it to your favorite charity. Many charities will tow your car, whether it's working or not, and you may be eligible for a Federal Income Tax deduction.

Please Note: This list of towing companies does not constitute an endorsement by the City of Houston or the Neighborhood Protection Corps.