Wake Commissioners Consider Penalizing Junk Car Owners

Jene Nipper says she does not see rusted cars as junk. She sees them as potential parts that can be used to fix a car that she likes to drive.

Nipper also says she should not be penalized because she cannot afford a garage.

"My husband is a mechanic," she says. "Why should he pay somebody to do the work when he can do it himself, just because he does not have a garage somewhere."

Nipper may not be able to afford a garage, but soon she may not be able to afford to keep the cars either.

Wake County commissioners are considering an ordinance to outlaw unlicensed, wrecked or dismantled vehicles. The penalty could be $100 a day in fines or possible criminal charges.

"Many of these people have beautiful homes, beautiful yards, and then they have somebody next door to them with junk automobiles," says county commissioner Vernon Malone. "It takes away from the aesthetics of the community."

County commissioners say they are doubtful a junk car ordinance would stand up in court, but some say they are willing to give it a try.

County commissioners are expected to vote on the ordinance in their next meeting, scheduled for April 3.