Is there any law against fixing your own car in the street?

Question

I need to fix my car but I wanted to know if there is any law or rule that I would be violating if I fix it on the street. If there is PLEASE list your source. I am in Pennsylvania by the way.

Answer 1

there really isnt a law against fixin it in the street but a disabled  car cannot sit in the street for more than 24 hours

Answer 2

If the act of repairing your car creates a hazard, you will most likely be asked to move, which you must do if the order comes from an officer (if you are not ran over beforehand).

Common sense reigns...if you are in a cul-d-sac, you are probably ok..if you are repairing on the side of a busy street which is obviously creating a danger to you or  others, you can be ordered to move, and you can be arrested and / or your vehicle towed if you do not comply.  A street is public property, which any officer with jurisdiction has the right to make a judgment call about your situation.

If this is a busy road, I would save trouble and have it towed to a place you can repair in peace.

Answer 3

There is no way we would know your county/city regulations. Call your HOA, or dept. of transportation. One of these should be able to help you find out.  

Answer 4

Is the street owned by the city, the county, or by you?

If you answered yes to one of the first two, there probably is a law that REGULATES it (proper precautions in handling of hazardous materials and so forth), and if you're physically obstructing traffic, I'm almost positive they're going to tell you to move it.

Answer 5

It would actually be determined by the city and zoning area you are in not just the state. For example I can't fix my car in Downtown but I can fix it in a coldasac urban area.

It also depends how long it will be parked there and how much you are taking it apart. Check with local law enforcement before removing the engine. But an oil change is using safe.  

Answer 6

I'm not sure about Pennsylvania, but I know I was living in a suburb in Texas, outside of Austin city limits, that was controlled by a Municipal Utilities District.  I tried to fix my truck on the street and was cited by the MUD about "unsightly repairs" in the neighborhood.  They threatened legal action if I didn't remove the broken vehicle from the street.  

Point of the story, you may want to check local laws and codes before attempting any repairs.

Answer 7

If you break down, and are parked safely on the side of road, to try and fix it, I would say that's ok! But, living in PA myself, to do that much work on your car, that's not considered a quick fix,  Stop and think for a moment, drivers, being a curious bunch of people, WILL slow down to have a look see! this could eventually slow down all the traffic, and if it's anywhere near Route 30 - NOT a good idea!! The cops will probably tell you to quit and you might get a ticket for obstructing traffic flow!

Answer 8

I'm in Pa too and in my town you cannot do car repairs on the street. You would have to check with your town office to see if there are any such laws in your town.