Selling a dead or junk car in Alhambra

What Alhambra counts as a problem car

Chapter 11.31 rests on Vehicle Code 22660. Section 11.31.010 declares an "abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle or part thereof, on private or public property not including highways" a public nuisance. It says these cars invite plundering, create fire hazards and lower nearby property values.

The property-maintenance chapter, 6.26.020, lists what inspectors look for. It names "vehicles that have a "planned nonoperational" status" with the DMV, and cars without "a current and valid registration, a working engine, transmission, wheels, inflated tires, doors, windshield". A car on flat tires with expired tags fits that list twice.

The notice and the hearing

The Director of Planning and Building, or an authorized representative, decides the car is a nuisance and sends the notice. Section 11.31.080 requires written notice "Not less than ten days prior to any removal". It is mailed registered to the landowner "as shown on the last equalized assessment roll" and also "to the last registered and legal owner of record of the vehicle".

The notice has to tell both owners they can ask for a hearing. The landowner can attend, or "present a sworn written statement denying responsibility for the presence of the vehicle on the land, with his reasons for such denial." That helps a landlord whose tenant left a car behind.

The curb is not a way out

Moving the car to the street only starts a shorter clock. Section 11.28.130: "No person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any vehicle shall park the vehicle upon any street or alley for 72 or more consecutive hours." State law backs a tow once a local limit like that is broken (VC 22651).

Back fees, lost titles and the DMV

Alhambra cars parked for years tend to raise two money questions. Registration comes first. An Alhambra car left unregistered piles up DMV fees and penalties each year unless "Planned Non-Operation" (REG 102) is filed. That bill is often what pushes people to sell. See car sitting for years.

Then the paperwork. A missing title is replaced with REG 227, filed at a field office or mailed, with a $28 fee, and the new one tends to show up in 15-30 days. That form can handle the transfer too. Only section 5 needs a notary, and only if DMV shows a lienholder or legal owner. More in junk car with no title.

The DMV, not Los Angeles County, issues Alhambra titles. With the title in hand, the seller signs; DMV's instructions for private sellers name no notary step. The buyer pays $15 to transfer it. The last step for Alhambra sellers is REG 138. File it at dmv.ca.gov/nrl or by mail within five days of the sale. After that, new Alhambra tickets and liability belong to the buyer. The regular plates usually go with the car.

Getting an offer

Reach us at (877) 421-6008 or online. Give us a quick description of the Alhambra car and we will go from there. Our truck comes to the Alhambra garage, driveway or side yard holding the car. South Pasadena and San Gabriel are close by, and California covers the state rules.