"Makes me wonder, is enforcement mostly complaint-driven or just totally random?"
Honestly, it's probably a bit of both. Had a neighbor once who got ticketed after just a week because someone complained about his Mustang being an "eyesore." Seems like enforcement depends on who's watching and how bored they are that day...
Had something similar happen on my street. Guy down the block had an old Camaro parked out front for months, no issues at all. Then one day, bam—ticketed and towed within a week. Pretty sure someone complained, but who knows? Makes me wonder if there's any consistency or if it's just luck of the draw. Has anyone actually seen city officials actively patrolling for this stuff, or is it always neighbor-driven?
I've never personally seen city officials actively patrolling for parked classics, but I wouldn't rule it out completely. Had a buddy with a '68 Mustang—sat untouched for months, then suddenly ticketed. Pretty sure it was neighbor-driven, but who really knows how consistent enforcement is...
- City enforcement is always hit or miss—depends on who's complaining and how bored the officials are that day.
- Had a similar thing happen with my old VW camper. Sat for months without issue, then bam, ticketed outta nowhere. Pretty sure it was a neighbor tired of looking at my rusty "yard art."
- Honestly though, if your classic looks decent and moves occasionally, you're probably safe. Just don't let it become a lawn ornament...neighbors get cranky.
"Honestly though, if your classic looks decent and moves occasionally, you're probably safe."
That's pretty much been my experience too. I've noticed enforcement can be super inconsistent—like one week they're all over cars parked even slightly weird, and the next month they ignore stuff that's clearly abandoned. Makes me wonder if it's really about complaints or just random enforcement sweeps?
My neighbor had a beautiful old Mustang that sat in his driveway for ages. He'd roll it around the block every few weeks, just enough to keep the tires from going flat. Never got bothered once. Meanwhile, another friend with a less flashy classic got ticketed within days of parking it out front. Seems like there's some selective bias at play—maybe nicer-looking cars get a pass?
Either way, I agree it's best to keep classics moving occasionally and looking presentable. Neighbors can definitely get cranky when they think something's becoming an eyesore...but honestly, as long as you're respectful and proactive, most people won't bother reporting you in the first place.
