Whether you’re in a neighborhood or on private property, a car can be parked in front of your house for no more than a certain period of time. The short and basic answer is that car can not be abandoned for more than 72 hours in most jurisdictions. Each state has different determining factors in regards to how long can a car be parked in front of your house, so check your local laws. We also break down some things you should do.
First, you need to determine how long the vehicle has been outside your property. Once you have determined the vehicle has been outside you home for 72 hours or more you do have a cause of action depending on the nature of the vehicle. For instance, if the vehicle is owned by a neighbor than as long as the house is in close proximity and there is not other space to move the vehicle, and it is not on your property, the car is most likely fine. However, you do have the right to ask the neighbor to move his vehicle. Just make sure you give them a reason why you would like them to move it. Some neighborhoods have HOA regulations that may govern this as well.
If the car is not that of a neighbors or an overnight guest of a neighbors and it has been there for 72 hours or more than it can be towed. In fact, if you have never seen that car before and it appears suspicious it can be towed. Especially if the car appears to be inoperable. If the car appears inoperable than a person generally has 72 hours to remove it. You should of course check your local laws to see if it is more or less than 72 hours. Generally it is 72 hours.
If the car actually seems operable, and from closer inspection does not look trashed inside, stolen, or completely out-of-place than at your discretion you could allow the car to stay for additional time. Ultimately however, you can of course call a local tow truck company, or a company you know that patrols your neighborhood about the vehicle and they too will come to take possession of it. You could also report it to the police’s non-emergency number. If you do not know who the local tow truck company is in your area, or if you believe you will have to pay fees for the tow, simply contact the non-emergency police number at your disposal.
In conclusion, a car can be parked in front of your house for 72 hours. Of course we are talking about car you do not own or have any idea who it belongs to. A car can be parked in front of your house for many reasons, but it is better to have some type of knowledge of those reasons especially if it is close to your private property or if you have young children. In fact, sometimes when there is a bunch of cars outside your house there could be party near by! If you want to know how to appropriately file a noise compliant we have you covered. If you have a landlord and have told them about this problem regarding vehicles outside your house multiple times you may have to bring suit or file a demand/request letter against them.