Is a Police Car a Commercial Vehicle?

Started by ValK2 • 16 replies • 892 views

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ValK2 (Tennessee)
Posts: 65

Posted:

We are a community of 100 homes, nice, but not over the top. Most residents have white collar jobs, homes are 2500-6000 square feet with values ranging from $500,000 to well over seven figures. Upscale middle class maybe?

One of the residents is a Probation Officer or Jail Manager of some sort and drives a car labelled as such. "Such and Such Department of Corrections". It looks like a police car with emblems on the side, but no light rack on top.

Our CCR's say that there are to be no commercial vehicles left in driveways but can be parked out of sight in garages.

Is a police car a commercial vehicle?

For reasons not germane i don't like to look out and see this vehicle, and all that is represents, parked where it is visible. Yes, I know, it is a first world "problem", but I pay dues and subscribe to covenants so I don't have to look at these sorts of things.

Or do I?

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Not commercial. They are a paid government employee. It is not selling or advertising for a business. It is a PUBLIC vehicle not commercial.

We had a sheriff deputy whom parked their car outside. People thought it would deter crime. Not so much. Plus the deputy was not really a police empowered employee. Just got use of the car.

Former HOA President

ElleN (Idaho)
Posts: 4,420

Posted:

The Department of Corrections is a government entity. I am aware that many prisons are run by private corporations, but I do not think this undoes the reality that this vehicle says D.O.C. yada on it.

If I were on this HOA's board, I would say it is a government vehicle, not a commercial vehicle. Hence my vote would be that there is no covenant violation.

Let's see what others here think.

Good for you for asking for others' opinions before going forth with a complaint. I appreciate your humility.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

In my opinion, No.

A police vehicle is NOT a commercial vehicle.

If you have to ask that question, it's possible that your parking policy is vaque (many are).
I would suggest that your board adopt a policy to clarify the covenants meaning of commercial vehicle.

Perhaps, something like this one:

[Name} HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. POLICY RESOLUTION No. 01-2005 PARKING

LoriM15 (Florida)
Posts: 1,009

Posted:

We have a police officer who parks his car in the driveway. We don't allow commercial vehicles. However, we have no issue with his police car being parked there. It's good for community security.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

NO and exempt from any enforcement action.

BrianS20 (Maryland)
Posts: 7

Posted:

"Such and Such Department of Corrections".

"i don't like to look out and see this vehicle"

"all that is represents"

"so I don't have to look at these sorts of things"

I think the problem is not with the vehicle or the person who devotes their life and career to public service. I wouldn't dream of arguing with you about it because I know well enough to know that your mind is made up. But the problem isn't with them. It is you.

DavidG45 (Delaware)
Posts: 994

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By ValK2 on 12/07/2023 10:09 AM
We are a community of 100 homes, nice, but not over the top. Most residents have white collar jobs, homes are 2500-6000 square feet with values ranging from $500,000 to well over seven figures. Upscale middle class maybe?

One of the residents is a Probation Officer or Jail Manager of some sort and drives a car labelled as such. "Such and Such Department of Corrections". It looks like a police car with emblems on the side, but no light rack on top.

Our CCR's say that there are to be no commercial vehicles left in driveways but can be parked out of sight in garages.

Is a police car a commercial vehicle?

For reasons not germane i don't like to look out and see this vehicle, and all that is represents, parked where it is visible. Yes, I know, it is a first world "problem", but I pay dues and subscribe to covenants so I don't have to look at these sorts of things.

Or do I?

No. And I would drop your concern and all it represents.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By BrianS20 on 12/07/2023 6:55 PM
"Such and Such Department of Corrections".

"i don't like to look out and see this vehicle"

"all that is represents"

"so I don't have to look at these sorts of things"

I think the problem is not with the vehicle or the person who devotes their life and career to public service. I wouldn't dream of arguing with you about it because I know well enough to know that your mind is made up. But the problem isn't with them. It is you.

SAY IT AGAIN FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!!!

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

It is another example of what I always say... What you think of me isn't what I think of me... It's what you think of yourself projected on to me. We assign people or things OUR self doubts and feelings. It's usually NOT what that person or thing is. You see this a lot with those "gym rat/health nut" whom see "fat people". It's like their fear of being "fat" is why they say bad things about non-skinny or "un-healthy" people. The "fat" person may be very healthy and happy with themselves.

When someone sees a police car their reaction is similar. It's either they fear the police or they want to be one. So if you see a "police" car and your reaction is "They are bad" then that is what you feel about police. If you see a police car and say "They are heroes", then you feel like respect and gratitude. I would NOT put what I feel when seeing a police car on anyone else. It does nothing but cause others to bring in their insecurities.

Former HOA President

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 12/08/2023 4:53 AM

When someone sees a police car their reaction is similar. It's either they fear the police or they want to be one.

Or, it's a simple issue of "I can't park my company vehicle here - why can they?"

DeanJ
Posts: 1,786

Posted:

No a commercial vehicle, but still probably in violation of a signs prohibition.

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

With all the others who say not a commercial vehicle. Where in he US has government ever created a profit? Would you rather have a drug dealer with an unmarked car living there?

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

It could be a why do they and I can not. Just seems odd use of the word "Germane" if it was.

There would be sign violation either. Per regulation a government vehicle does have to be marked. An unmarked vehicle would involve exceptions.

Former HOA President

DeanJ
Posts: 1,786

Posted:

In some agencies police cars are barely road worthy.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By DeanJ on 12/08/2023 7:02 AM
No a commercial vehicle, but still probably in violation of a signs prohibition.

In my last HOA we ruled police/safety vehicles were not in violation of vehicle sign prohibitions. That said, I would have issues with vehicles with less signage such as the OP mentioned, like Dept. Of Corrections, etc.

TerriS6 (California)
Posts: 3,284

Posted:

Why?

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