Junk and dead cars in Palm Desert

The appearance test, both ways

The rule cuts in your favor too. The code says a car "shall not be considered inoperative if, from all external evidence visible from a public right-of-way or from adjacent properties, the vehicle reasonably appears to be operative." So a car with a dead engine but clean paint and full tires may pass. One with a cracked windshield, missing wheels or faded, peeling paint is what the section targets.

In Chapter 10.24, a car is inoperative when its engine, wheels, tires or other essential parts have been damaged, removed or "allowed to deteriorate" to the point it can't drive itself or isn't safe on a highway.

The 72-hour line and the mailed notice

Palm Desert's Chapter 10.24 makes it a misdemeanor, unless an exception applies, for a wrecked, dismantled or inoperative car to stay on public or private land, streets included, "for a period in excess of seventy-two or more consecutive hours."

Before the city removes one, it mails a notice. The notice form in Section 10.24.090 tells the landowner to remove the car "within 10 days from the date of mailing of this notice." If that passes, Palm Desert tows it and charges the landowner the costs, "together with administrative costs." Inside those 10 days, the Palm Desert city council will hear the case if the car owner or the landowner asks. Five days after an order is the earliest the car can head to a scrap yard or dismantler.

Smog, title and plates in California

A car that cannot pass smog is still sellable for junk. No Smog Check at all applies to a car going off to be wrecked or dismantled. When a Palm Desert car misses Air Resources Board standards, state law says only a dealer or someone who will legally dismantle or wreck it may buy it. The seller gives a written statement at delivery on whether it complies. See failed emissions.

Titles go through DMV field offices or the mail, since California has no county title counter. Palm Desert sellers sign the Certificate of Title. A lienholder, if one exists, signs it as well. Read the DMV seller steps and you will find they list no notary. Inside 5 days, send the state your release of liability on REG 138. The report helps if someone dumps the car down the road. Vehicle Code 22523 frees the last registered owner who filed a report of sale from the fine and the lien-sale shortfall. Standard plates generally stay with the car. More in after you sell.

Neighbors in the valley

In straight-line miles, Indio is 7.4 off, La Quinta 8.4, Cathedral City 8.8 and Palm Springs 11.0. The California page has the statewide rules.

Getting an offer

Phone (877) 421-6008, or send the details online: the vehicle, its odometer reading, whether it moves, and the paperwork you hold. Pickup is free anywhere in the US, so the truck can come to a carport, a gated community, or a repair shop.