Selling a dead or junk car in Chino Hills

Where an inoperable car is allowed to sit

The same section gives two safe spots: "a fully enclosed building or structure, or any other location not visible from the street." A closed garage works. A driveway in view of the road does not. The code also names vehicles kept "in yard areas other than on paved driveways" that are not screened from the street, so a car parked on the lawn can be a violation even if it starts.

The 10-day notice

Chapter 10.28 is the city's removal process, adopted under state Vehicle Code 22660. Section 10.28.040 says a "ten (10) day notice of intention to abate and remove" the car "shall be issued," unless the property owner and the car's owner have signed releases. You must take the car away "within ten (10) days after the date appearing on the notice." In that window, anyone with a stake in the car or the land may request a hearing at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive.

The landowner can attend that hearing (Section 10.28.060) or mail in "a sworn written statement denying responsibility." When the hearing officer decides the car was left without the landowner's consent, the land is not billed for removal.

A stripped wreck can move faster. A car on a Chino Hills vacant lot that lacks a motor, transmission or wheels, can't be towed, and is worth under $200 can be hauled off without notice. If registration papers turn up, the owners get a letter and have 12 days to claim it.

Street parking

Section 10.16.050 is blunt: "No vehicle shall be left parked on any street in excess of seventy-two (72) hours." A permit does not change it. A car left 72 hours or more against a Chino Hills parking rule can be towed under Vehicle Code 22651. Section 10.08.160 also keeps heavy commercial vehicles off residential streets overnight.

California paperwork for a dead car

Titles here are a state job: DMV field offices take the paperwork, or you can mail it in. On the notary question, the DMV seller steps list no notary; the signatures they name are yours and any lienholder's. Lost the title? Start with REG 227 (see selling with no title).

Then report the sale. Chino Hills sellers have 5 days to file REG 138, by paper form or at dmv.ca.gov/nrl. After the DMV logs it, tickets from past the sale date land on the new owner.

No Smog Check is required when the car goes to be wrecked or dismantled. In most cases, regular California plates remain on the car.

Close by

Measured as the crow flies: Chino 4.0 miles, Yorba Linda 4.6, Anaheim 6.3, Diamond Bar 6.6. Statewide rules are on the California page.

Getting an offer

To get a number, call (877) 421-6008 or ask online. Selling a Chino Hills car? The form is the quickest place to start. We load it from a closed garage, the curb, or the shop where it died.