Selling a dead or junk car in Gilbert

Gilbert's definition

Section 42-315: "Inoperable vehicle means any vehicle incapable of being legally driven or a vehicle that cannot be started and moved under its own power." Read the first half twice. A Gilbert car that starts fine but cannot lawfully be driven is still inoperable.

For abandonment the town borrows state law: "Abandoned vehicle means the same as A.R.S § 28-4801." That statute treats 72 unattended hours, on public or private land, as prima facie evidence.

Placement rules

• Front yards: "Inoperable vehicles shall not be parked in front yards."
• Side and rear yards: only behind a solid, fixed barrier that stands taller than the car.
• Surface: "Motor vehicles or trailers shall not be parked, maneuvered or stored upon a lot or area within the town that is not dustproof."

Counting matters. "Accumulation of inoperable vehicles means two or more inoperable vehicles upon a residential lot." And "A single inoperable vehicle in combination with any of the above-described conditions shall be deemed a violation of this subsection," for example beside broken furniture or tarps.

The 15-day repair defense

There is a short grace for a resident working on their own car. It is a defense if "the vehicle was registered to a resident of the property, that the vehicle was undergoing repair, and that the total period during which the vehicle was inoperable did not exceed 15 days." Gilbert counts calendar days. A car waiting months on parts is long past it. If a letter already came, see notice to remove a car.

At the curb, 62-67 lets an officer move an illegally parked vehicle "at the expense of the owner."

Arizona steps for Gilbert sellers

Gilbert, in Maricopa County, is part of Arizona's Phoenix-area emissions testing. Cars up to five years old, cars from 1966 and before, and electric cars do not test.

Arizona's titles are electronic and processed by MVD plus authorized Third Party offices. Either sign the paper title's back or go through eTitle Transfer, then give the title to the buyer as the car leaves. MVD's seller steps say nothing about a notary. Replacing a missing title is $4.

You keep the plates, so take them off first. Registration time left over can get you a credit, less a $12 processing charge. Then report the sale: the Sold Notice is free, due within 10 days, online or on form 46-8502.

Nearby

From Gilbert, as the crow flies: Mesa 6.3 miles, Chandler 6.6, Queen Creek 9.0, Tempe 12.2. Statewide rules: Arizona.

Getting an offer

Use the form or call (877) 421-6008. Describe the car and its mileage, say if it starts, and say if you have the title. We can collect it behind the side gate, in the driveway, or at a repair shop.