62nd SFS: Abandoned vehicles will be cited, towed Published Aug. 30, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Bruce McPherson 62nd Security Forces Squadron MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- According to 62nd Airlift Wing Instruction 31-5, McChord Air Force Base Vehicle Traffic Instruction, a vehicle is considered abandoned when: Its license plates, tags or registration have been expired for more than 30 days. The vehicle is not registered with a state and military installation. The vehicle is improperly registered, so there is difficulty in establishing ownership. The vehicle is heavily damaged or has major components missing such as an engine or radiator. The vehicle is left unattended on a roadway or street and is obstructing traffic. The vehicle is observed unattended for a period of seven consecutive days. It is not attached to a registered vehicle with a permit if it is a trailer, boat, recreation vehicle, detached camper or canopy. If a vehicle meets any of the suspected abandoned criteria listed, the 62nd Security Forces Squadron will issue a traffic ticket with an abandoned vehicle notice. Before the vehicle is towed, the 62nd SFS will make a reasonable attempt to locate the registered owner in an attempt to correct the problem with the vehicle. If the registered owner cannot be identified, the 62nd SFS will consider the vehicle abandoned and the vehicle will be towed at the registered owner's expense after three duty days. Owners will also be responsible for storage fees. Once a vehicle is towed from McChord, the tow company will send a letter to the registered owner notifying them their vehicle was impounded and where arrangements can be made to pick up their vehicle. The vehicle will be stored off base for 57 days. After the 57 days, the vehicles is subject to being sold. The registered owner will still be liable for towing and storage fees. The tow company also has the option to send information to a collection agency. Except for the space-available travel long term parking lot, McChord does not have a long term parking lot, so deploying personnel should park their vehicles at their dormitories, homes or at their respective squadrons. If parking at their squadrons, personnel must not park within 25 meters of the building in the event of increased force protection conditions. Additionally, Airmen should identify someone to watch their vehicles to ensure nothing happens to them (i.e. flat tires, leaking fluids, towings and theft.) Airmen should also leave a key in case the vehicle needs to be moved to another location. The Space-A parking lot is reserved for personnel who are manifested on Air Mobility Command flights from the passenger terminal only. In order to park there, manifested passengers must obtain a parking permit from passenger terminal personnel. The parking permit is only good for 60 days, and the vehicle must meet all base and state registration requirements. If a vehicle fails to meet these requirements, it will be towed. For more information, call Tech. Sgt. Bruce McPherson at 982-1092.