Montenegrin municipalities are intensifying efforts to address the long-standing issue of damaged, abandoned, and vehicles left on public areas solely for sale, given the increasing pressure on already limited parking capacities in urban areas. An analysis prepared by the Union of Municipalities of Montenegro highlights the multiple negative consequences of this phenomenon, ranging from the reduction of available parking spaces and the deterioration of the urban environment to safety concerns, environmental risks, and unfair competition for registered car dealerships.
The analysis emphasizes that a large number of damaged or abandoned vehicles remain on the streets for years, often with damaged bodywork, broken windows, and potential leaks of oil and other hazardous substances, thereby reducing residents’ quality of life and negatively affecting the overall visual identity of urban areas. It also points to the increasingly common practice of leaving vehicles marked “for sale” in public parking spaces. While such vehicles may be formally parked in accordance with regulations, they effectively occupy public space for commercial purposes without the obligation to pay rental fees or taxes, placing businesses that operate in compliance with the law at a competitive disadvantage.
The analysis also includes a review of the existing legal framework and concludes that current regulations do not provide sufficiently clear mechanisms for dealing with vehicles parked for sale or with deteriorated vehicles that still have valid registration plates. The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro particularly highlights the positive solutions adopted by the municipalities of Herceg Novi, Budva, and the Royal Capital of Cetinje, which have developed highly effective models for the removal of abandoned and damaged vehicles from public areas. These measures include setting deadlines for vehicle owners to reclaim their vehicles, enabling the treatment of unclaimed vehicles as waste, and establishing clear procedures for determining ownership.
With the aim of harmonizing practices at the national level and improving the efficiency of local services, it has been proposed that all municipalities adopt more precise definitions of terms such as “end-of-life vehicle” and “vehicle wreck” within their municipal order regulations. The proposal also calls for an explicit prohibition on leaving vehicles intended for sale on public areas that are not designated for such purposes. In addition, it outlines procedures for the removal of damaged and abandoned vehicles, including the identification of owners, the establishment of deadlines for vehicle retrieval, cooperation with licensed vehicle recycling facilities, and the possibility of treating unclaimed vehicles as waste in accordance with waste management regulations.
Special emphasis was placed on raising public awareness to ensure citizens play an active role in reporting such vehicles. Municipalities have been encouraged to publish clear guidelines and contact information for the competent authorities on their websites. As an additional support measure, the establishment of digital platforms or mobile applications is also being considered, enabling citizens to easily report abandoned or damaged vehicles in their communities.
The Union of Municipalities of Montenegro emphasizes that addressing this issue is essential for improving municipal order, preserving the urban environment, and ensuring the rational use of public spaces. It is confident that the proposed measures will enable more efficient and consistent action by local governments and contribute to creating a more orderly, safer, and higher-quality living environment for all citizens.
