Junk Vehicle Rules

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City of Muskegon Junk Vehicle Ordinance

The city of Muskegon has rules to help keep our neighborhoods clean and safe. Old or broken cars left outside can be unsafe and make an area look messy. This rule explains what counts as a “junk vehicle” and what you must do with it. City Ordinance Chapter 092 – Article IV.

What Is a Junk Vehicle?

A vehicle is considered a junk vehicle if:

  • It does not have a current license plate or registration, OR
  • It cannot run or be driven,
  • It is badly damaged or wrecked,
  • It needs major repairs to work,
  • It has parts missing,
  • It has been abandoned.

This rule applies to all types of vehicles. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats on trailers, go-carts, golf carts, and more.

Where Junk Vehicles Cannot Be Stored

You cannot keep a junk vehicle:

  • On your property
  • On someone else’s property within the city
  • On any city public street or public place

If it is on your property and does not meet the rules, you are responsible for fixing the problem.

Places Where Junk Vehicles ARE Allowed

There are only a few times when a junk vehicle is allowed:

  1. Inside a fully enclosed building, like a garage or barn.
  2. On a licensed car dealer’s lot (must be able to run).
  3. At a licensed auto repair shop while it is being repaired.
  4. You may store one seasonal vehicle (like a boat trailer or summer car). If it does not have a current license, it must be kept inside a building or it may be parked in your back yard, behind your house, or next to your garage, as long as it is behind the main front line of your home.

What Happens If You Break the Rule

  1. The city will send a written notice. They will also place a notice on the vehicle.
  2. You have 7 days to fix the problem or remove the vehicle.
  3. If the problem is not fixed, the city may give you a ticket.
  4. The city may remove and impound the vehicle.

Costs & Fines

If the city has to remove the vehicle:

  • You must pay all towing and removal costs.
  • You must also pay an extra 15% fee.
  • These costs can be added to your property taxes if you do not pay them.

How Can I Report a Junk Vehicle

If you believe a vehicle (car, motorcycle, camper, etc) is parked in a public space or in front of someones residence within the city you can report it through SeeClickFix, the city’s issue reporting portal.

These rules help keep our community safe, clean, and looking good for everyone.