Plumas County is cracking down on the growing problem of abandoned vehicles cluttering its streets, launching a comprehensive new plan to remove the eyesores and prosecute offenders. District Attorney David Hollister, working in collaboration with several county and state agencies, has spearheaded the Abandoned Vehicle Removal and Prosecution Plan, which aims to rid the region of environmental hazards while sending a clear message: illegally abandoning vehicles will not be tolerated.
Abandoned vehicles, long considered an eyesore and environmental hazard, will be targeted for removal through a multi-agency collaboration. Key players include the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Plumas County Building Department, Public Works, and the District Attorney’s Office. Together, they have devised a twofold approach: swift vehicle removal and the aggressive prosecution of individuals responsible for abandoning them.
The program began immediately following the Board’s approval, with the first stage removing approximately ten vehicles, including a notorious travel trailer outside Quincy. These vehicles will be transported to a temporary holding area before being dismantled. Residents will notice visible changes as some of the most conspicuous vehicles are removed within minutes of the plan’s enactment.
To deter future offenses, the District Attorney’s Office will investigate and prosecute violators under Section 5-8.15 of the Plumas County Code. Misdemeanor charges will be filed, and offenders will face not only restitution for towing and dismantling costs but also potential jail time. The robust criminal prosecution is designed to send a strong message: abandoning vehicles in Plumas County will not be tolerated.
Funding for the program comes from restricted environmental settlement funds managed by the District Attorney’s Office, ensuring that no taxpayer or general fund monies are used. “This program addresses a pressing issue while remaining mindful of the county’s general fund budget deficit,” Hollister noted.
Plumas County officials are optimistic that this initiative will improve the county’s roadways and discourage future vehicle abandonment.
