Vehicles left for 24 hours could be deemed abandoned 

By Val Matthias. Updated 7:00 a.m., Sunday, September 6, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Motorists in St Vincent and the Grenadines are being warned that vehicles left on the roadside for more than 24 hours could be considered abandoned. 

Station Sergeant of the traffic department Wendell Corridon made the clarification while speaking on the Hot 97 morning programme on Friday September 4, as he explained the process police can use to deal with vehicles left on public roads.

He said a vehicle left on the roadside without the owner notifying the police could, after 24 hours, be deemed abandoned.

The police could then begin the process of notifying the owner and requiring the vehicle to be removed.

Station Sergeant Corridon said police may also mark a vehicle as part of efforts to determine whether it has been moved.

He explained that if a vehicle remains in the same position, this could indicate that no effort has been made to remove it.

However, he said owners who receive a notice should contact the Traffic Department, particularly if they are experiencing difficulties removing the vehicle.

He said police could consider an extension where there was a genuine reason for the delay.

In relation to vehicle owners who may have left the state for a period , the responsibility is upon them or the persons left in charge to notify the traffic department of their situation.

The Station Sergeant also warned motorists that ignoring a notice could lead to further legal action. He said the police have the authority to serve notices and take matters to court under the relevant legislation.

According to Station Sergeant Corridon, a person found in breach of the law could face a maximum fine of $5,000.

He also explained that a separate programme involving the police, solid waste authorities and public health officials deals with the removal of derelict vehicles.

For motorists, the warning is clear, if a vehicle has been left on the roadside, do not wait until enforcement action begins contact the authorities and take steps to have it removed.

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About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]