Spokane police issue warnings for illegally parked campers

SPOKANE, Wash. -- People living in RVs parked on Spokane's public streets should be aware of a new Washington Supreme Court ruling.

The Washington Supreme Court ruled in early July that people living in campers or RVs on a city's public streets are not protected by constitutional rights to stay there.

The ruling is in response to a 2019 lawsuit against the City of Lacey, Washington by Jack Potter.

Potter lived in a 23-foot trailer on public land and sued the City of Lacey for banning parking large vehicles and trailers in public areas for over four hours a day.

Potter claimed his rights to travel and reside within a state had been violated.

Lower courts ruled in favor of the city, and after Potter's appeal, the Washington Supreme Court affirmed the lower courts' rulings.

"What the ruling does is affirm the city's right to enact and enforce parking laws as it relates to public health and safety," said Julie Humphreys of Spokane Police Department.

SPD said one of their most frequent calls is about RVs that are abandoned or parked for long periods of time.

In Spokane, RVs parked on public property must be moved every 24 hours.

After the 24 hour grace period, illegally parked RVs receive an impound notice.

"If we can't get voluntary compliance, then unfortunately, my only tool left is enforcement, and that means citations and impounding the vehicle," said SPD Parking Enforcement Officer, Chris Patchin.

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