Curious about where to park your unregistered car? Many people in possession of unregistered vehicles grapple with this question more often.
The truth is that parking an unregistered car on public properties can get you into legal trouble. Besides, unregistered cars are potential candidates for theft. So, where can I park my unregistered car? And more importantly, are there regulations you should know when parking your vehicle?
Question: Can I Park an Unregistered Car?
Before looking for a safe place to park your unregistered car, check whether parking is even legal. It’s worth noting that states might have varying laws regarding parking of unregistered vehicles. Fortunately, it’s possible to park your unregistered car.
However, it’s illegal to drive such a car on public roads or park it on public property. If caught doing so, your vehicle can be impounded, and you can be penalized.
After finding a legal place, check if there are requirements you must meet before parking unregistered cars. Some states require the vehicle to be in good condition before parking. An old or damaged vehicle parked in the public eye is regarded as a nuisance.
You’ll need to ensure the unregistered vehicle doesn’t have broken windows, deflated tires, broken doors, or missing tires.
If your car doesn’t meet such requirements, cover it properly and ensure it doesn’t pose a danger to people.
Question: Where Can I Park My Unregistered Car?
You can park your unregistered car in:
- A closed garage
- Private property
- Park and ride lots
- Storage facilities
A Closed Garage
A garage or driveway can be a better place to park your unregistered car. However, you must ensure the garage or driveway doesn’t expose the car to the public eye. You must also check the zoning laws and agreements concerning the use of driveways.
Local laws may not allow parking of damaged or old cars in the driveways. And if the law allows, ensure the vehicle is not hazardous to people using the same driveway.
Private Property
Another better option to park your unregistered car is private property. This could be land belonging to a friend or family member. The friend or family member must be comfortable with unregistered vehicles parked on their property.
So, check with the property owner first. The good thing about such a plan is that you can park the car for as long as you want (with the owner’s approval).
If you don’t have a friend or family member with private land, check if a stranger can permit you. The stranger might charge you a small fee for parking an unregistered vehicle on their property. However, the stranger must guarantee your vehicle will be safe.
Park & Ride Lots
If you don’t want to park your unregistered car on the street, a park & ride facility can be a good option. It’s also called a commuter lot. Park and ride lots exist near public transport facilities. They’re meant for drivers who’d like to park and ride on a bus or train.
These parking spots are also ideal for unregistered vehicles. However, you’ll need to pay a parking fee to enjoy the service.
Of course, you won’t find a universal parking fee at these lots in the US. Most regions charge around $10 per day. Others are free for the first day but charge about $2 for the subsequent days.
Storage Facilities
Is finding a private property or park & ride lot a challenge? If so, a storage facility can be an ideal place to park an unregistered car. Such facilities allow car owners to park for a specific period at a fee. And the good news? Storage facilities guarantee 24/7 security of your vehicle.
The facility will also keep your unregistered car safe from the law. The only problem is that some regions’ storage areas are less common than park & ride lots or private properties. They can also be relatively expensive but worth the money, considering the assured security.
Answer: Factors to Consider
Below are the factors to consider when finding a better place to park your unregistered vehicle.
- Security and Protection: Find a facility that offers guaranteed security. Also, the car should be protected from extreme weather and vandalism.
- No violation of parking regulations: Look for a place to park an unregistered car without the risk of being impounded.
- Long-term solution: If you want to park for an extended period, find a place that offers a long-term parking solution.
- Cost: The parking facility should charge a reasonable parking fee.
Question: How Long Can You Park an Unregistered Car?
There’s no time limit if you park in your closed garage or a private property. However, if you park on your driveway, park & ride lot, or storage facility, check with your state laws. Some states don’t allow unregistered cars on driveways for more than 30 days.
If your state has “abandoned vehicle” laws, police can tow away your unregistered vehicle.
Remember to log on to your state’s DMV website to check what your state-specific laws require. Also, you can use this site to fill out a form that states you’ve canceled your car’s registration. You can change the form’s information to extend the deregistration period.
Answer: Consequences of Parking Unregistered Cars in Open Places
You now know the answer to the question: where can I park my unregistered car? But what can happen if you park in open or public places?
The Car Can be Impounded
Car impoundment is where law officials place a car in a tow yard or impoundment lot until the owner is legally allowed to have it back. Police can impound your unregistered vehicle and tow it away. Sometimes, the impounding agency might charge you towing and storage costs.
The penalty can range from $200 to $500. And after paying this fine, you’ll need to register the car if you want to drive it. That means you’ll pay an additional $50 to $100 to get the car registered.
Theft
As mentioned earlier, unregistered vehicles are potential candidates for theft. This can happen if you pack your unregistered car in an open or public place. Robbers know unregistered vehicles are difficult to trace when stolen.
Additionally, unregistered vehicles are not eligible for theft rewards from insurance companies. As a result, you’ll lose your car and stand no chance of getting a replacement.
Unbearable Fees After an Accident
Insurance pays for damage when registered cars collide. In such a case, drivers exchange their insurance information to settle the case.
However, if your unregistered car collides with another, the other driver can’t give you their insurance information. As a result, you’ll pay from your pocket to fix the damage.
Insurance can’t compensate the victim if you injure someone with your unregistered car. You’ll pay an unbearable compensation fee. Besides, you might get arrested and your vehicle impounded.
Closing Thoughts
So, where can I park my unregistered car? Unfortunately, parking options for unregistered cars are few. You can park it in your closed garage, a private property, a park & ride lot, or a storage facility. Always check your state’s regulations concerning parking of unregistered vehicles.