Junk Vehicles in the Village: What the 1988 Law Says and How We’re Enforcing It

Office of the Mayor, Village of Cambridge, NY

Cambridge neighbors,

Several residents and our Board of Trustees, have raised concerns about the growing number of parked or abandoned vehicles around the Village that look like they’re no longer in use. This isn’t just an appearance issue. Our local law from 1988 calls these vehicles a public nuisance when they’re left out in the open and not road-legal.

We're on a clear, fair plan to enforce the law that’s already on the books: Local Law No. 2 of 1988, the Village of Cambridge Junk Vehicle Law. For now, we're going to use the law we already have to keep our neighborhoods safe, attractive, and in line with Village standards.

Here’s what residents need to know.

What is a “junk vehicle” in Cambridge?

Under our 1988 law, a vehicle is considered a junk vehicle if it:

1. Is any motor vehicle or trailer designed to run by power (not muscle), and

2. Does not have a current, valid registration plate, and

3. Is abandoned, junked, dismantled, rusted, wrecked, or not in condition for legal use on the highway.

If a vehicle checks those boxes and it’s sitting out on private property for more than one week, it can be treated as a violation under the Village law.

(Authority: Village of Cambridge Local Law No. 2 of 1988, §§ 2-1, 3-1.)

What the law is trying to do

The 1988 Board said it plainly: junk/abandoned/dismantled vehicles can hurt property values, invite pests, and become a safety hazard. The purpose of the law is to protect public health, safety, and the appearance of the Village.

This isn’t about punishing people. It’s about keeping Cambridge clean and safe.

What enforcement will look like

Right now, the Village’s plan is to enforce the existing 1988 law as written. That means:

1. Observation/Complaint

   • A vehicle is reported or observed as likely being a “junk vehicle.”

2. Initial check (1-week rule)

   • If it sits more than one (1) week on private property in that condition, it can be cited.

3. Written notice to the property owner

   • A Village police officer or authorized officer will send a written notice to the property owner telling them to:

     • remove the junk vehicle, or

     • shelter it (for example, put it in a garage or lawful storage), or

     • let the Village remove it.

   • The notice will also be posted on the vehicle itself.

   • One notice is good for all junk vehicles on the same lot.
     (Authority: 1988 Law § 3-2.)

4. 10-day deadline

   • The owner has 10 days from the notice to fix the situation.

5. If no action

   • After 10 days, the Police Department may have the vehicle removed to the Village garage or other designated area and hold it for another 10 days.
     (Authority: 1988 Law § 3-3.)

6. If you want the vehicle back

   • The owner (or an agent) can reclaim the vehicle during that hold period by paying towing and storage costs and moving it to a legal storage space.
     (Authority: 1988 Law § 3-4.)

7. If no one claims it

   • After that hold period, it may be treated as abandoned and the Village can dispose of it under New York Vehicle & Traffic Law.
     (Authority: 1988 Law § 3-5; VTL § 1224.)

Could there be fines?

Yes. The 1988 law allows the Village to issue fines of up to $250. And each week the violation continues can count as a separate violation. (Authority: 1988 Law § 3-6.)

That said, the goal of this enforcement effort is compliance, not revenue. If residents respond to the notices and address the vehicle, that’s the outcome we want.

How to stay in compliance

If you have a vehicle on your property that:

• isn’t registered,

• doesn’t run,

• is being used for parts,

• or is clearly in a dismantled/rusted condition,

you have three good options:

1. Shelter it: store it in a garage, barn, or enclosed structure so it’s not left in the open.

2. Register/fix it: bring it up to legal/operating condition and get current plates.

3. Remove it: dispose of it through a legitimate removal or scrap service.

If you take one of those steps before or within the 10-day notice period, you are very likely to avoid further action.

Why now?

Two reasons:

1. Resident complaints have increased: especially about multiple vehicles on the same lot.

2. Fairness: many residents spend time and money maintaining their property. They should not be put at a disadvantage because a neighboring lot is being used for outdoor vehicle storage in violation of Village law.

What’s Not Happening (Right Now)

• We are not creating a brand-new junk vehicle law… not today (but we are reviewing the 1988 law with counsel to see if updates make sense).

• We are not changing fine amounts… at this time (though modernization is on the table for discussion).

• We are not doing surprise, one-day “sweeps”… and we won’t (enforcement will follow notice and due process, period).

• We are not trying to target hobbyists who are properly storing project vehicles… lawful storage remains lawful storage.

We are simply going to apply a law that has been on the books since 1988… while we evaluate whether it needs a 2026 refresh.

How residents can help

• Clean up now if you think a vehicle might qualify as a “junk vehicle.”

• Talk to your neighbors, sometimes a quick conversation solves it.

• Call the Village if you receive a notice and don’t understand it. Communication helps.

Who to contact

Village Clerk’s Office: notice questions, property info.

• clerk@cambridgeny.gov

Cambridge Police Department: enforcement/ status.

• police@cambridgeny.gov

Mayor’s Office: policy questions or feedback on the process.

• mayorsweeney@cambridgeny.gov