How Long Does a Parked Vehicle Qualify as an 'Abandoned Vehicle'?

[DiAlejandro]

Currently, there is no national standard in China defining how long a vehicle must remain parked in a space to be considered an 'abandoned vehicle,' but each city has its own corresponding management regulations. In some cities, vehicles cannot remain parked continuously for more than thirty days; otherwise, they will face corresponding penalties and may be towed away. Other cities issue advance notices, setting a specific time frame for owners of abandoned vehicles to address the situation. If the vehicles remain unclaimed after the deadline, traffic police departments will directly tow them away or treat them as scrapped vehicles. Reasons for the emergence of 'abandoned vehicles': Owners purchase vehicles but rarely use them or are unwilling to use them for various reasons; vehicles nearing the end of their lifespan may have prohibitively high repair costs, leading owners to abandon them; owners may be unable to retrieve their vehicles due to disappearance, imprisonment, or other reasons; stolen vehicles or those abandoned by criminals after committing offenses.

[Millard]

I think whether a car can be considered an abandoned vehicle mainly depends on how long it has been parked without moving. I've seen several such cars in my neighborhood—they sit there for over half a year, with flat tires and covered in dust and bird droppings, occupying valuable parking spaces. Generally, if a car remains unused and unmoved in a public parking space for more than six months, people start suspecting it's an abandoned vehicle. However, this can vary depending on specific circumstances, such as in areas with harsh weather where the timeframe might be shorter. I once saw a car parked on the street for over a year without moving, and it was eventually towed away. Long-term inactivity can also lead to a dead battery, solidified engine oil, and further damage, making the car a greater waste of resources. So, I recommend that car owners who go on long trips or rarely use their vehicles ask relatives to drive them occasionally or move them to a private garage. This not only saves space but also extends the car's lifespan.

[VonRyder]

In our neighborhood, the issue of abandoned vehicles is frequently discussed, as it significantly impacts everyone's daily life. A car that remains parked for an excessively long time, such as three or four months without moving, may be reported as an abandoned vehicle. My neighbor's car hasn't been driven for five months, with leaves piled up on the windshield and flat tires, making it look like a discarded item. This not only occupies public parking spaces but also breeds mosquitoes and poses safety hazards, such as a high risk of catching fire during extreme weather conditions. Policies vary by city; for example, in Beijing, vehicles left unattended for over a year without being dealt with can be towed away directly. I believe the community should conduct regular inspections to remove these vehicles, and car owners should also be conscientious about using or relocating their vehicles periodically. Otherwise, it's unfair to other car owners who need the parking spaces.

[JessicaLynn]

In my opinion, zombie cars typically refer to vehicles that haven't moved for over three months to half a year. As someone who frequently deals with cars, I've observed that if a car has severe dust accumulation, deformed tires, or a dead battery, it's likely abandoned. The duration depends on the environment and condition, for example, dust accumulates faster in open parking spaces, making it obvious within three months. Prolonged inactivity can lead to rusting of mechanical components and engine problems. I recommend car owners start their vehicles regularly for a short drive or contact professional recycling points for disposal. This helps avoid resource waste.