Selling a dead car in Fullerton

Where the 72 hours stop applying

Fullerton excepts "a vehicle which has remained inoperative for less than 72 consecutive hours," which gives a freshly broken car a few days. But that break "shall not apply to vehicles stored or parked in front yard areas or viewable from a public right-of-way." Park a dead car where passing traffic can see it and the grace period is gone.

Section 5.20.170 then sets the outside limit. Nobody may leave "any licensed or unlicensed vehicle or part thereof which is in an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative condition" on private or public property "for a period in excess of five days."

Commercial storage is handled apart. The code excepts cars kept lawfully "in connection with the business of a licensed dismantles licensed vehicle dealer, a junk dealer," along with any lawful business that needs the storage to operate.

The city's letter

When the City Manager, or an authorized full-time employee, spots a dead car on private property, Section 5.20.075 calls for registered mail to the property owner. The letter explains that the landowner and any owner of the car can request a City Manager hearing in writing.

A landowner who never put the car there can stay home. The code lets him or her "present a sworn written statement denying responsibility for the presence of the vehicle" and give reasons.

The for-sale sign trap

Fullerton also tows street-parked cars whose real job is advertising. Under Section 8.80.020, removal is allowed when "because of a sign, marking or placard on the vehicle, it appears that the primary purpose of parking the vehicle at that location is to advertise to the public the private sale of that vehicle." Two other conditions apply: a parking violation notice within the past 30 days, issued at least 24 hours before the tow. Shifting to the next street over doesn't help while the sign stays up.

Title and plate rules statewide

Fullerton sellers handle titles with the state DMV, in person or through the mail. You sign the title, then the buyer takes it in with the $15 transfer fee; there's no notary among the DMV's seller steps. To replace a missing title, file REG 227 and pay $28.

No Smog Check is owed on a car bound for a dismantler. Regular plates go with the car, and an owner can pay to shift personalized or special plates elsewhere. Recording the car as Junk changes that: the plates are surrendered. REG 138 is due within five days; after you sell has the full checklist.

Close to Fullerton

La Habra is 3.2 miles off by straight line. Placentia and Brea both sit under 5, and Buena Park is right at 5. The California page has the state rules.

Getting an offer

Give us a call at (877) 421-6008, or use the form to list the model year, make, model and miles, how it runs, and the title status. A transmission that won't shift is fine; see bad transmission. We pick up from side yards, apartment carports, and garages around downtown.