Prince George’s County is taking decisive action to address the increasing problem of abandoned boats on public streets. With a growing number of residents voicing concerns about road congestion, safety hazards, and declining neighborhood aesthetics, the County Council has given preliminary approval to legislation aimed at resolving the issue. The proposed bill, CB-002-2025, is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks and will establish clear regulations for boat owners who leave vessels parked on public roads.

The bill, spearheaded by Councilmember Eric Olson of District 3, introduces a series of penalties for boat owners who fail to comply with the new restrictions. Under the proposed law, violators will first receive a warning, giving them 72 hours to remove their boats from public streets. If they fail to do so, they will face escalating fines, starting at $250 for a first offense and increasing to $500 for a second offense. Repeat offenders may also have their boats towed at their own expense. Additionally, boats left in a state of disrepair or abandoned for more than 48 hours could result in further penalties, including criminal charges related to illegal dumping.

Olson highlighted the numerous problems associated with abandoned boats, particularly in residential areas. Unlike typical parked vehicles, boats are often larger and can create obstructions that interfere with both traffic flow and emergency response efforts. The presence of abandoned boats also negatively affects neighborhood appearance, lowering property values and contributing to urban blight. “These boats are not just an eyesore; they create serious road congestion and safety hazards,” Olson stated. “We need to act now to ensure our neighborhoods remain safe and clean.”

The initiative has received widespread support from local residents, many of whom have grown frustrated with the increasing number of abandoned boats littering their communities. One resident from Lanham expressed his concerns, emphasizing the deteriorating condition of many of these vessels. “Would you want this piece of junk sitting outside your house every day? It has mold and flat tires—it’s disgusting,” he said.

Challenges in Enforcement and Disposal Costs

Despite general public approval for the bill, county officials have voiced concerns about the logistical and financial challenges associated with enforcing the new regulations. One of the primary issues is the cost of removing and disposing of abandoned boats, which is significantly higher than the cost of removing abandoned cars. Unlike standard vehicles, which can often be processed and sold for scrap, boats require more extensive dismantling and special handling to address environmental concerns.

According to Samara Gomez from the Department of Revenue, the disposal of an abandoned boat can cost approximately $2,500. This figure does not include the additional expenses associated with removing fuel, batteries, and other hazardous materials that may be onboard. “The cost of boat disposal is a major challenge,” Gomez explained. “These vessels often contain hazardous waste that requires specialized removal processes, which adds to the financial burden.”

Another significant challenge is identifying the owners of abandoned boats. Unlike motor vehicles, which must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, boat registration is less strictly enforced. Many abandoned boats have missing or outdated registration records, making it difficult to track down the responsible parties. “They’re supposed to register boats with the Department of Natural Resources, but often they don’t,” Gomez added.

In response to these enforcement difficulties, some council members have called for broader state-level action to provide financial support for boat removal and disposal. They are advocating for the expansion of grant programs that would assist communities in covering the costs of removing abandoned boats from both land and waterways. The push for additional funding is seen as a necessary step to ensure that the new law can be effectively implemented without placing an excessive financial burden on local government agencies.

As the County Council prepares to finalize the bill in the coming weeks, many residents remain hopeful that the new legislation will bring meaningful improvements to their neighborhoods. The enforcement of strict penalties, combined with a focus on securing additional funding for disposal efforts, is expected to help curb the problem of abandoned boats. The new law is seen as an important step in promoting public safety, maintaining property values, and ensuring that residential areas remain free of unsightly and hazardous debris.

With the legislation on track for approval, Prince George’s County is setting a precedent for addressing abandoned vehicles and illegal dumping. If successful, similar measures could be adopted in other jurisdictions facing comparable challenges. As local officials work to finalize the details, community members are encouraged to remain engaged in the process and report any abandoned boats to the appropriate authorities. The county’s commitment to improving residential areas through stricter enforcement and public awareness is expected to have a lasting impact on the overall quality of life for its residents.