Chandler junk and dead cars: what the code allows

Chandler's long definition

Section 30-5 lists what makes a vehicle abandoned or inoperable: "partially or wholly dismantled, discarded, wrecked; or on blocks, stands or similar devices; or stripped or scrapped; or inoperable due to mechanical disassembly; or with a deflated tire or tires." It goes on to cars that cannot run for other reasons, which "may include an expired (more than one month) license plate." In practice a Chandler car can turn inoperable on paper a little over a month after its registration lapses.

Places a dead car may and may not sit

• Within view of a street or sidewalk: barred, "including any vehicle being repaired or restored."
• A carport: allowed under "a properly maintained vehicle cover made exclusively for covering vehicles."
• Shared and public ground: "No person shall leave, place or park any abandoned vehicle or inoperable vehicle upon any public street, alleyway, public or private parking lot or City property." An apartment complex's lot is a private parking lot.

Section 12-4 adds: "No person shall store a vehicle upon any street, highway, road, other public thoroughfare or any other public property." A for-sale sign does not help either, because 30-19 bars parking a car "displayed for sale upon any public street or private property" outside narrow exceptions.

Impound notices and hearings

When a Chandler officer impounds a car under state law, the driver receives a notice of impound. "Within two (2) days," the department serves everyone else with an interest on the registration, by hand or by certified mail. Anyone so listed may then file "a written petition for a hearing within ten (10) days of the date of the Notice of Impound." Towed or impounded covers what comes after.

Arizona law for Chandler sellers

Emissions testing applies in Chandler as part of the Phoenix area. Chandler owners of electric cars, cars from 1966 or earlier, or cars five years old or newer skip the test.

Arizona titles are electronic, handled by MVD and authorized Third Party offices. Sign the reverse of a paper title or transfer through eTitle, and pass the title to the buyer at pickup. Notarization is absent from MVD's seller steps. Missing the title entirely? Arizona law sets three tests for a Chandler car: no lien, 12 or more model years of age, and a value no higher than $1,200. If it passes, it can be sold to a registered scrap metal dealer, or to a licensed automotive recycler. You sign a scrap statement and they pay by check.

Plates stay with you in Arizona. You get 30 days to reuse them, return them, or file a destruction affidavit, and the free Sold Notice is due inside 10 days.

Nearby

Crow-flight miles from Chandler: Gilbert 6.6, Tempe 8.6, Mesa 11.2, Maricopa 18.7. Statewide: Arizona.

Getting an offer

Call (877) 421-6008 or complete the form. Selling in Chandler? The offer form asks for the details. Pickup goes to the carport, the garage, or the lot the car was towed to.