Why do people put rags or clothes hanging out of their car windows when the car is on the side of the road?

This is to indicate that the vehichle has not been abandoned and that the owner intends to take care of it, so the police don't decide to have it towed to an impound lot. Most state police agencies have a standing policy that if a vehichle sits on the side of the road for 24 hrs or more, they have it towed away.

Its a sign of a disabled vehicle. It lets people know to leave a little room when driving past, someone could be around that vehicle, of if you feel safe enough, you can stop and offer assistance. If somebody is just sitting in the vehicle, it always appreciated when you call for help.

Instead of raising the hood we used to put a white handkerchief out the window so someone would stop and help us.

It tells the police that the vehicle got stuck and not abandoned by the driver.

It's just their way of telling you that they are coming back to get it and they still want it. In other words it broke down.

It's like a signal for help.

TO SIGNAL THAT THEY ARE BROKEN DOWN AN WILL BE BACK LATTER TO GET IT.

i have never seen that, i live in CO

Seems stupid to me

just to let ppl know the car broke down.. will be back for it please dont tow ...