Selling a dead or junk car in Chico

What Chico treats as a dead car

The definitions in Section 10.52.010 are wider than most people expect. A vehicle can fall under the chapter if it is:

• Abandoned: left "in such an inoperable and neglected condition that the owner's intention to relinquish the right of possession" can reasonably be concluded.
• Wrecked: "destroyed, disabled, seriously damaged, crashed or ruined" so that it cannot run on the highway under its own power "without significant repairs."
• Unregistered: "Not currently and validly registered for operation or use on the highways and streets in the State."

Section 8.02.010 adds a separate definition: an inoperative vehicle is "any vehicle which cannot be moved under its own power, or cannot be operated lawfully on a California public street or highway, due to removal of, damage to, or inoperative condition of any component part or the lack of an engine, transmission, wheels, tires, doors, windshield, or any other part necessary for such movement or lawful operation." The same section excludes a vehicle "completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner" and out of view. It also excludes one kept lawfully by a licensed dismantler or dealer.

One carve-out helps crash victims. A car "wrecked in a traffic accident" and towed to a storage facility, but not yet claimed, is not treated as abandoned under this chapter. The tow yard still has a possessory lien under California Civil Code 3068.1, so a car left there does not sit for free. Our wrecked or totaled guide covers the insurance side.

Driveways only

Chico's nuisance section, 1.14.030, limits where any car can sit on a home lot: "parking on residential property is limited to parking on driveways and parking pads." A car can't be parked so that it sticks out into the sidewalk or street. The same section lists "the performance of major repairs or dismantling" of a vehicle "in a location visible from the street" as a nuisance. A project car on the lawn, or one being stripped in full view, can draw a complaint before the 168 hours run out. Part it out or sell it whole weighs the two choices.

If the city sends a notice

To fight the notice of intention in Chico, send a request to the vehicle abatement officer within ten days of its mailing (Section 10.52.090). The city manager or a designee then hears the case and sets the removal and administrative costs charged against the property. Without a timely request, the city "shall have the authority to abate and remove the vehicle" with no hearing.

Two details protect owners. "If the property owner submits a sworn written statement denying responsibility for the presence of the vehicle on the property within such ten day period, the statement shall be construed as a request for a hearing which does not require the owner's presence." And once a hearing is set, notice goes out by certified mail, return receipt requested, at least 15 days in advance.

The state's part: title, release and plates

Butte County plays no role in titles. The California DMV handles them through field offices or by mail. In Chico, both the seller and any lender with a lien put their signatures on the California Certificate of Title. The buyer submits it and pays $15. The DMV's seller instructions show no notary requirement.

Chico sellers send in REG 138 within five days, using dmv.ca.gov/nrl or a paper copy. When the DMV records it, Vehicle Code 5602 puts any later parking tickets, moving violations and civil claims on the buyer.

• Missing title: REG 227 replaces it for $28, and mail delivery usually takes 15 to 30 days. See selling with no title.
• Smog: a Chico car headed for wrecking or dismantling skips the Smog Check.
• Plates: ordinary plates normally remain on the car. Record the car as Junk and you surrender them.
• Salvaged brand: California has no separate flood brand. Accident, flood and vandalism damage all fall under Salvaged.

Around Chico

Oroville, 22.8 miles away in a straight line, sets a 10-day limit of its own. Yuba City is 44.5 miles away and Redding 63.1. The California page covers statewide rules.

Getting an offer

Use the form or call (877) 421-6008. Selling a Chico car? Fill in the form and we'll be in touch. Our Chico pickups happen at driveways, rentals near campus and the back lots of repair shops.