08/14/2026
The Amherst County Sheriff's Office wants to remind residents about Amherst County Code, Chapter 9, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Article VI – Inoperable, Abandoned, and Unattended Vehicles; Parking Violations.
This ordinance is designed to address vehicles that are inoperable, abandoned, unattended, illegally parked, or creating safety concerns throughout Amherst County. The ordinance recognizes that abandoned and inoperable vehicles can create fire hazards, interfere with emergency response, attract rodents and insects, become an attractive nuisance, and create other health and safety concerns.
Under the ordinance, an inoperable motor vehicle generally includes a vehicle that is not in operating condition, does not display valid license plates, or does not display a valid inspection decal.
Inoperable vehicles generally cannot be kept outside a fully enclosed building or otherwise shielded from view on property zoned or used for residential, commercial, or agricultural purposes, with limited exceptions outlined in the ordinance.
The ordinance also addresses abandoned and unattended vehicles. Among other provisions, vehicles may be subject to removal when they are left unattended on public property, create a traffic hazard, are illegally parked, or remain unattended for specified periods of time.
The Amherst County Sheriff's Office will be enforcing the applicable provisions of Article VI. The ordinance specifically assigns the Sheriff responsibility for the administration and enforcement of Divisions 3 and 4, which include inoperable vehicles, abandoned/unattended vehicles, and parking provisions.
When an inoperable vehicle is found to be in violation, the ordinance provides a 10-calendar-day notice period for the owner to remove the vehicle or bring it into compliance. Failure to comply can result in removal and disposal of the vehicle, with applicable costs potentially charged to the vehicle or property owner.
Violations can also carry criminal or civil penalties, depending on the circumstances and enforcement action taken under the ordinance.
https://library.municode.com/va/amherst_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COCO_CH9MOVETR_ARTVIINABUNVEPAVI
