The SEMA Action Network (SAN) defeated a West Virginia bill that would have redefined “abandoned motor vehicles” to include vehicles or vehicle parts which are either unlicensed or inoperable, or both, are not in an enclosed building and have remained on private property for more than 30 days. Under current law, the abandoned vehicle law applies primarily to vehicles on public property. The bill sought to make violation a misdemeanor offense punishable by substantial fines, community service and jail and made no legal distinction between an owner using private property as a dumping ground and a vehicle enthusiast working to maintain, restore or construct a vehicle.
