Barstow junk cars: city rules and selling one whole

Barstow's 30-day line

Under Barstow's Section 7.20.010, "It is unlawful and a misdemeanor" to keep a wrecked, dismantled, inoperative or abandoned vehicle "upon any private property or public property not including highways within the city for a period in excess of 30 days," if the conditions listed after that are met. In Section 7.04.010, Barstow's council finds that stored wrecks tend "to invite plundering" and "to create fire hazards."

Barstow's nuisance chapter has its own definition too. An inoperable vehicle is "any vehicle that is immobilized or mechanically incapable of being driven on a highway." Section 6.28.020 also names "abandoned or inoperable motor vehicles" among the dangers to children.

How Barstow gives notice

Barstow's chief building inspector runs Section 7.04.050:

• Barstow sends the landowner and the car owner a ten-day notice of intention to abate by registered mail, except when both have already signed removal releases.
• Within ten days of mailing, either owner may ask the chief building inspector for a hearing. A Barstow landowner's sworn denial of responsibility is "construed as a request for a hearing which does not require his presence."
• Barstow's city council hears the case. Section 7.08.010 sends hearing notice "at least ten days before the hearing by certified mail, with a five-day return requested."
• If a notice comes back undelivered, Barstow continues the hearing "to a date not less than ten days from the date of such return."
• No request inside ten days lets the council abate without any hearing.

Barstow streets

The Barstow code we read covers property off the highway. A Barstow street car that breaks a local ordinance by staying put 72 hours straight or more can be towed under Vehicle Code 22651.

California title steps for Barstow sellers

• On a Barstow sale, your seller signature goes on the title, next to any lienholder's. A Barstow seller does not need a notary under DMV's steps.
• REG 138 is due 5 days after the sale, filed online or on paper. Later tickets and civil claims then attach to the buyer.
• Plain plates usually stay with a Barstow car. Recording it as Junk is when they get surrendered.
• Wrecking or dismantling transfers need no smog inspection.
• No title in the glovebox? File REG 227 ($28), in person or by mail.

Engine gone? Read blown engine or missing parts. The last steps are in after you sell.

Barstow's neighbors

Distances run long out here. As the crow flies, Apple Valley is 24.9 miles away, Victorville 29.3, Adelanto 30.0 and Hesperia 36.0. State rules: California.

Getting an offer

Call (877) 421-6008 or use the form about your Barstow car and any letter from the chief building inspector. You sell the whole car as it sits, and pickup is free anywhere in the US, which counts for a lot this far from the next town. The truck can load from open ground outside Barstow or a driveway downtown.