What is a "Junk Vehicle"?
A junk vehicle is defined as any "discarded, ruined, wrecked, or dismantled motor vehicle, including component parts, which is not lawfully and validly licensed and remains inoperative or incapable of being driven". A vehicle must meet all three parts of the definition to be classified as a junk vehicle.
What is "Public View"?
Public view is defined as "any point 6 feet above the surface of the center of a public road from which a junk vehicle can be seen". A public road is any publicly owned or maintained highway, street, road or alley.
Do I have to shield my vehicles if I'm not in the commercial motor vehicle wrecking business?
Yes, all vehicles that meet the three-part definition of a junk vehicle, must be shielded from public view.
If I only have one junk vehicle do I need to shield it?
Yes, all junk vehicles regardless of number must be shielded from public view.
How can I shield my junk vehicles from public view?
You can move the vehicle to a location that will shield it, such as into a garage or behind a solid fence, hill or building. You may also construct shielding using permanent fencing materials. Certain construction specifications are required for proper shielding. If you intend to shield your vehicles, contact the Gallatin County Junk Vehicle Program for more information prior to construction. Placing tarps or plastics over the vehicles is not acceptable shielding.
Can I do anything else other than removing or shielding the vehicle?
Yes, you may repair the vehicle to make it operable, or license it. Either action will remove the vehicle from the classification of a junk vehicle.
What if I no longer want to keep the vehicle?
If the vehicle has value from its parts, contact a licensed private motor vehicle wrecking facility. Most commercial wrecking facilities will buy vehicles that have marketable parts. If the vehicle's value is low, they may haul it away free in exchange for its parts. Some vehicles have little or no parts value and the private wrecking facility may not be interested in buying or hauling it. If this is the case, contact the Gallatin County Junk Vehicle Program. They will arrange to haul and dispose of your junk vehicle at no charge to you.
Do I need to shield items such as engines, transmission and fenders?
Yes, any component part of a vehicle must also be shielded.
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