By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department The subject of unregistered motor vehicles on private property was brought up.The person purchased a new vehicle and they were in the process of selling their old one.They wondered if there were any restrictions on keeping an unregistered the car on their property as they do this? Many people have unregistered vehicles on their property for one reason or another. I was asked to provide some information on the Town By-law. Article twenty-one is the section of the Dudley By-laws which pertains to storage of unregistered motor vehicles. Unless a person is the holder of a license, such as a car dealer license, or unless given a special permit by the Selectmen, they cannot allow more than one unregistered motor vehicle to remain on a lot in the Town. The vehicle can be assembled or disassembled for the purposes of this law. The term "lot" is defined as "a parcel of land held in identical ownership throughout including all contiguous land held in the same ownership." In addition, the private sale of a single motor vehicle from your own property is allowed. Should someone request a special permit for more than one unregistered vehicle, a public hearing will be held and the Selectmen "may" issue one if certain criteria are met. Such items of consideration include whether the vehicles constitute a nuisance and if they do "not adversely affect the neighborhood." This By-law does not apply to vehicles stored within an enclosed building or if they are designed for farming or other agricultural purposes. Penalties for a violation are twenty dollars per day for each violation. This law is designed to avoid hazardous situations and the compiling of vehicles. |
Should a situation arise where you may have more than unregistered vehicle present, you may have some options. Many charities or scrap dealers will take old vehicles off your property at no cost. You may also receive a tax credit or cash in some cases;Feel free to contact our office should you require assistance with this problem.
Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St., Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
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