Indianapolis: Where Cars Go to Die (But Shouldn't)
Have you ever wandered the streets of Indy and stumbled upon a car that looks like it's been there since the Great Wallpaper Shortage of '87? Flat tires, dust bunnies the size of hamsters, and a suspicious amount of birdseed decorating the interior - yep, that's an abandoned vehicle.
Now, while these rusty relics might add a certain post-apocalyptic charm to the neighborhood (questionable), they're also a public safety hazard. Fear not, fellow Hoosier, because today we're diving into the thrilling world of reporting abandoned vehicles in Indianapolis!
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
How To Report An Abandoned Vehicle In Indianapolis |
But First, Is it Really Abandoned?
Hold on to your horses (or should we say, hubcaps). Not every motionless automobile is a candidate for the junkyard. Here's a quick rundown to avoid accidentally reporting your neighbor's beat-up minivan they're, uh, "restoring" (wink wink):
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
- The Great Disappearance: Has the car been parked in the same spot for weeks, gathering dust like a forgotten chia pet? That's a good sign it's abandoned.
- The License Plate Mystery: Is the license plate missing, expired, or looking generally suspicious? Probably abandoned.
- The Flat Tire Tango: Does the car have one or more flat tires, permanently slumped like a defeated boxer? Likely abandoned.
If you answered yes to most of these, then congratulations! You've most definitely spotted an abandoned vehicle in its natural habitat. Now, let's get that hunk of junk outta here!
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
Reporting the Renegade Ride: Two Avenues to Tow Truck Glory
There are two main ways to report an abandoned vehicle in Indianapolis, depending on where it's chilling:
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
- Public Property: Did you find this automotive eyesore parked on a street, alley, or public spot? Head over to the City of Indy's RequestIndy portal (
). It's like online whack-a-mole, but instead of moles, you're whacking away at abandoned vehicles!https://www.indy.gov/workflow/report-an-abandoned-vehicle - Private Property: Is the abandoned car parked on private property, like your neighbor's lawn (the jerks!)? You'll need to fill out an affidavit and email it to the Department of Building Neighborhood Services (DBNS). Don't worry, it's not brain surgery. Just follow the instructions on the DBNS website (
).https://www.indy.gov/workflow/report-an-abandoned-vehicle
Remember: The key here is to be specific. Include the location of the vehicle, any damage you see, and a detailed description (like, is it a rusted-out pickup truck or a minivan with a questionable paint job?). The more info you provide, the faster the city can send in the tow truck cavalry.
FAQ: Because Abandoned Vehicles Don't Answer Your Calls
- How long does it take for a reported abandoned vehicle to be towed? The city typically removes abandoned vehicles within 72 hours of receiving a report.
- What if the car is blocking my driveway? For illegally parked vehicles (not necessarily abandoned), contact the non-emergency police line at 317-327-3811.
- Can I report an abandoned car anonymously? Yes, you can submit reports anonymously through both the RequestIndy portal and the DBNS affidavit.
- Will I get paid for reporting an abandoned vehicle? Unfortunately, there's no bounty for playing abandoned vehicle whack-a-mole. But hey, you're helping to keep your city clean and safe!
- What if the abandoned vehicle has become a home for...unwanted guests? If you suspect the car has become a haven for critters (think creepy crawlies or furry squatters), mention it in your report. The city might take extra precautions during the removal process.
So there you have it, folks! With a little online sleuthing and a keen eye for automotive abandonment, you can help keep Indianapolis free of rusty relics. Now get out there and conquer those abandoned vehicles, one report at a time!