Misdemeanor, Fines, and VIPD Impound Lot to Be Part of Abandoned Vehicles Law as Senators Prepare Tougher Measures

Senators to draft legislation aimed at tackling St. Thomas’s abandoned vehicle crisis, introducing stricter penalties and responsibilities for vehicle owners

In less than two months since his appointment, St. Thomas’s new interim administrator Kevin Rodriguez has been inundated with calls about abandoned vehicles across the island. However, he noted that addressing the issue is becoming increasingly challenging.

During the Office of the Governor’s Budget hearing on Monday, Mr. Rodriguez shared examples of the issues he faces with members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance. He described a call from a woman in Bolongo, explaining that someone had cleared land and left over 35 abandoned vehicles there. "It appears they just dumped the cars on the property, but since it’s private land, we are unable to intervene," he informed the lawmakers.