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Derelict Parking Pointers Important information for owners of derelict vehicles
For this brochure in pdf. format, click here

What is a derelict vehicle?

A derelict vehicle is:

  • Abandoned by its owner and left parked on a city street or alley; or
  • Is non-roadworthy or not properly licensed or equipped for use on public streets.



Why are derelict vehicles a problem on public streets?

They may:

  • cause public safety concerns to area pedestrians and children. For example, they are often left on wheel jacks or have exposed sharp metal and broken glass;
  • encourage vandalism;
  • are not in keeping with community standards;
  • create an unpleasant environment;
  • decrease property values;
  • leak fuel, oil, antifreeze and other fluids that are both fatal to animals and hazardous to the environment;
  • also take up parking spaces needed by others in the community;
  • obstruct garbage collection, street and alley maintenance, utility servicing and emergency vehicles.


Question

Can I park a derelict vehicle on city streets and alleys?

Answer

Derelict vehicles may not be parked on city streets and alleys. Such illegally parked vehicles reported to the CPA are impounded.

Question

Can I park my unused vehicle adjacent to my own home?

Answer

Yes. Provided your vehicle is roadworthy, registered, insured and is legally parked in a residential area, it will normally not be a cause of concern. However, public streets and alleys are not intended for long-term storage of unused vehicles.

Question

How are derelict vehicles enforced and by whom?

Answer

The CPA acts to remove derelict vehicles only upon receipt of a complaint call from a concerned area resident. The CPS (Calgary Police Service) may also take any actions they deem necessary. Responsible vehicle owners who are considerate of the neighbourhood will not experience problems with enforcement agencies.

Question

What can I do if I receive an orange NOTICE sticker on my vehicle?

Answer

A fluorescent orange sticker may be applied when there is some question regarding the status of a vehicle. If you find a notice on your vehicle, call the CPA at (403) 537-7100 for a full explanation and steps to avoid impoundment.

Question

Can vehicles with expired licence plates or no public liability insurance be parked on public streets and alleys?

Answer

Any vehicle parked on a public street or alley with expired or missing licence plates is normally impounded. A police officer who finds someone driving a vehicle with an expired licence plate and/or no public liability insurance may impound the vehicle and issue a violation ticket.

Fines vary between $2,500 and $10,000.00.

Question

I enjoy restoring older vehicles. Can I keep the vehicles that I am restoring in my backyard?

Answer

City bylaws restrict the storage of vehicles in backyards for the same reasons that derelict vehicles are not permitted to be stored on public streets and alleys. To enjoy your hobby without compromising the rights and safety of your neighbours, limit the number of vehicles you are working on to the amount of room you have in your garage.

If your garage does not provide sufficient space, you may wish to consider a storage site on private property outside residential areas. Many industrial areas of the city offer additional storage space that can be leased for a nominal fee.

Question

How can I dispose of a derelict vehicle that I do not wish to keep?

Answer

You can contact any vehicle disposal company in the Yellow Pages (see AutoWreckers) to properly dispose of your vehicle. Another option is to donate it at no cost to you to the charity of your choice. To receive a charitable tax receipt for a donation to the Kidney Foundation, call the Kidney CarLine at 279-7707. Or call ADCO at 1-800-463-5681 for donations to groups such as Kids Help Phone, Alzheimers Society, or Canadian Diabetes Association and other charitable organizations.

Question

How can I claim an impounded vehicle from the Municipal Impound Lot?

Answer

To claim an impounded vehicle, you must first provide proof of ownership and pay all towing and storage fees. Uninsured and unregistered vehicles may not be driven out of the impound lot. All unclaimed vehicles are sold at public auction on the third Saturday of every month.



Parking Pointers
  • Public streets and alleys are not intended for the long-term storage of any vehicle. Avoid vehicle fines and impoundment by keeping derelict vehicles off public streets.
  • Storage of derelict vehicles on a public street is not in keeping with acceptable community standards. Help keep your neighbourhood safe and pleasant (and avoid ongoing insurance fees) by getting rid of unused vehicles.
  • To dispose of non-roadworthy vehicles, do so properly through a disposal company or donate it to the charity of your choice and receive a tax-deductible charitable donation receipt.
  • If you wish to keep or restore a derelict vehicle, store it in your garage or a paid storage facility.
  • To avoid fines and impoundment, always keep your address, licence plates, insurance, and all other vehicle registration information current with your local Motor Vehicle Registry office.



Legislation

Calgary Traffic Bylaw (CTB) and Calgary Parking Bylaw (CPB)

CTB Section 14(2)(a)(b)
Vehicles not equipped properly, not roadworthy or missing parts
Penalty: Impoundment plus $50.00 fine ($40 early payment incentive program)

CPB Section 8(1)(a)(b)
Vehicles abandoned on a highway or public or private property Penalty: Impoundment plus $200.00 fine ($160 early payment incentive program)

Traffic Safety Act

Traffic Safety Act Section 53
Licence plates improperly displayed or expired
Penalty: Impoundment plus $50.00 fine ($40 early payment incentive program)


Who to Call

Calgary Parking Authority
Parking Enforcement Division
(403) 537-7100

  • Questions or complaints regarding derelict vehicles parked on public streets or alleys; reporting abandoned vehicles on a major thoroughfare or highway.


Municipal Impound Lot
3924 Manchester Road SE
(403) 537-7111 (24 hours)

  • To claim impounded vehicles


Calgary Police Service
(403) 266-1234 (24 hours)

  • Questions or complaints about people driving stolen, unregistered or uninsured vehicles.

Created under City bylaw in 1968, the Calgary Parking Authority encourages compliance with parking regulations through public education and information.




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