COLSTRIP POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE
Larry S. Reinlasoder Chief of Police
Colstrip Police Department, PO Box 9, Colstrip, MT 59323
(406) 748-3004/2211 FAX 748-4832 E-Mail: policechief@bhwi.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2-10-2005
COLSTRIP POLICE WILL BE TOWING ABANDONED VEHICLES
COLSTRIP, MONTANA- The Colstrip Police Department
is advising area residents that under Montana traffic codes it
is illegal to leave a vehicle parked longer than five (5) days
on a public street without being moved. The vehicle may be classified
as abandoned or junk and will be towed as authorized by law. The
process the Colstrip Police Department will use is to place an
orange warning sticker on a vehicle observed or reported in violation
of the ordinance. The registered owner of the vehicle may be given
an additional week to move the vehicle. If it is not moved a wrecker
will be called to tow the vehicle to an impound lot or to the
Rosebud County junk vehicle lot. The vehicle owner may also be
cited for the parking violation and ordered to appear in Colstrip
City Court.
We are asking for the public's cooperation in the matter of abandoned
vehicles and will work with those who are making a good faith
effort to abide by the law. The process is the same for abandoned
and junk vehicles left on private property, but the City Code
Enforcement Officer is responsible for investigating written complaints
on code violations. The police are charged with the enforcement
of the city zoning ordinances, if a violator refuses to comply
with the directions of the code enforcement officer. Police Chief
Larry Reinlasoder advises that it is the hope of the police department
that owner's of junk vehicles will police themselves, and as long
as they are making a good faith effort to comply with the applicable
laws, the police will work with the property owner.
If additional iriformation is desired for this story please
contact Chief Reinlasoder