Abandoned vehicles left on winter roads can present a traffic hazard

WASILLA — With the arrival of winter comes slippery roads, an increase in the number of accidents and vehicle breakdowns. Drivers traversing state trunk lines and secondary roads will undoubtedly see unattended vehicles. It is not uncommon to find an unoccupied vehicle with its emergency flashers on. However, Alaska statutes stipulate time and location guidelines for leaving a motor vehicle unattended.

Under Alaska law, a registered or titled vehicle that “reasonably” appears to have been left within 10 feet of a traveled portion of roadway longer than 48 hours, or left parked on private property in excess of 24 hours without property owner consent, or on public property for more than 30 days, may be considered abandoned and removed.

There are different stipulations for “wrecked” or “junk” vehicles. Statute limits the time such vehicles may be left unattended to 24 hours. Additionally, such vehicles cannot be parked closer than 10 feet from the traveled portion of roadway. Mat-Su Borough law stipulates the traveled portion of road to include all areas which a vehicle could operate — fog line to the edge of the shoulder.

The state considers a wrecked vehicle one that is disabled and cannot be used without substantial repair. A vehicle is considered junked if it is unregistered (with the exception of one used exclusively for racing), stripped or otherwise inoperable due to mechanical failure, hasn’t been repaired because doing so exceeds fair market value, or exhibits the following elements — broken glass, missing tires, wheels, body panels, or parts of drive train.

Here in the Mat-Su, vehicles — mainly those involved in crashes or other accidents — can be spotted on the shoulders and ditches of the Parks, Glenn and Palmer-Wasilla highways and secondary roads such as Knik-Goose Bay Road.

While most of those vehicles are removed by the owners, others can sit for days. Some of those present safety hazards. Alaska Department of Transportation spokeswoman Shannon McCarthy said given the size and amount of roads throughout the Mat-Su, there is some flexibility in those guidelines. She said an effort is made to ensure public safety and that DOT works with local towing companies as needed to make sure safety standards are maintained.

“It is illegal to leave a vehicle abandoned within 10 feet of the fog line,” McCarthy said. “The vehicle is marked and we give them time. There is sometimes a good reason (why the 24-hour stipulation is not adhered to).”

If a vehicle is parked or abandoned on the road or shoulder in a way that poses an imminent safety threat, McCarthy advises calling local law enforcement.

“If someone believes that a vehicle, or any other object, is abandoned in the state’s right of way, please contact the regional (Department of Transportation and Public Facilities) right of way section at 269-7000 to report it,” McCarthy said.