Dead, junk or non-running cars in Montclair

What Montclair looks at

Section 7.02.010 names "abandoned or inoperable motor vehicles" among conditions that may be dangerous to "inquisitive minors." It then lists factors that may be used, without limitation. Besides PNO status, it names "vehicles lacking a current registration, a working engine, transmission, wheels, inflated tires, doors, windshield or any other part or equipment necessary for its legal and safe operation." The same section notes that "abandoned personal property may include junk and vehicles."

Chapter 6.04 does the enforcing. Section 6.04.010 declares "the presence of an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle, or part thereof, on private or public property, not including highways" to be a public nuisance.

The Fire Chief hears the case

In Montclair, Section 6.04.090 sends junk-car hearings to the Fire Chief:

• Ask within 10 days. If the car's owner or the landowner sends a request "within 10 days after the mailing of the Notice of Intention to Abate and Remove," the Fire Chief holds a public hearing.
• Sworn statement. A sworn written denial from the landowner, sent in that window, stands in for a hearing request and does not require showing up.
• Hearing notice. The city mails notice of the hearing by registered mail at least 10 days before the date.
• No request. The city "shall have the authority to abate and remove the vehicle" without a hearing.

Under Section 6.04.100, the Fire Chief "may delay the time for removal" if the circumstances justify it. The Chief can also order the car taken and fix the costs "to be charged against the owner of the land." If the hearing shows the car came without consent and was never put up with, those costs aren't put on the property.

Breakdowns on the street

Montclair is strict about big vehicles. Under Section 8.38.010, no oversized vehicle or unattached trailer may park on a residential street "at any time." After a mechanical breakdown, emergency parking is allowed for 24 consecutive hours. Heavy commercial vehicles stuck after an accident or breakdown also get up to 24 hours under Section 8.36.090. A regular passenger car falls under Vehicle Code 22651 instead, which permits towing once it has occupied a street for 72 hours or more in violation of a local ordinance.

Ending PNO and the paperwork

If the car was never on PNO and simply went unregistered, the DMV charges fees and penalties for those years. PNO, filed on REG 102, is what avoids that. Recording a car as Junk with the DMV means surrendering its plates. Selling it whole is different: ordinary plates normally go along with the car. Sign the title as seller, let the buyer file it, and send REG 138 within 5 days. See car sitting for years and after you sell.

Close by

Montclair covers just 5.531 square miles, so neighbors are near. Measured as the crow flies, Pomona is 3.7 miles off; Upland and Claremont are 3.8 each, and Ontario 5.8. The California page has the state rules.

Getting an offer

Call (877) 421-6008 or send the form. Share its year, make and model, its miles, if the engine runs, and how the title looks. A Montclair carport, driveway or back lot all work for pickup.