Selling a junk or inoperative car in Pleasanton

The three words in Chapter 11.44

The chapter, titled "Removal of abandoned vehicles from private property," works from definitions.

Abandoned. A vehicle is abandoned if it is either "(1) parked, stored or left on public property in such inoperable or neglected condition that the owner's intention to relinquish all rights or interest in it may be reasonably concluded," or "(2) wrecked, dismantled or inoperative and is parked, stored or left on public or private property," subject to exceptions set out elsewhere in the chapter.

The second test does not ask what you intended. A dead car on private land can meet it.

Inoperative. A car the Vehicle Code keeps off public roads because of its plates, registration, equipment or safety.

Wrecked. A car "damaged to such an extent that it cannot be operated safely on a public street or highway."

The chapter carves out exceptions in a separate section. Its notice periods were not in the parts we reviewed, so call the city about timing rather than guessing.

State clocks that still apply

Pleasanton's chapter is built on Vehicle Code 22660, which allows a city to handle abatement itself. Vehicle Code 22851.3 then sets timing for cars valued at $500 or less:

• The car is tagged three days (72 hours) before towing. In Pleasanton, no tag is required on a car worth $300 or under removed under 22669(d).
• The owner must hear about the tow within 48 hours.
• Fifteen days on from that notice, the car can be disposed of.
• Ten days is the limit to ask for a hearing.

Wrecked is not the same as salvaged

When an insurer totals a car, California replaces the title with a salvage certificate. No damage percentage decides it; Vehicle Code 544 looks at whether the owner or insurer sees repair as uneconomical. Such a car carries the Salvaged brand. One declared nonrepairable under Vehicle Code 431 is finished for good: DMV will never title or register it again. More in wrecked or totaled.

Selling it under California rules

• Signatures. Seller first, then any lender named on the title. The buyer hands the paper and the $15 transfer fee to DMV. The private-sale steps call for no notary.
• Smog. Vehicle Code 24007 still lets a Pleasanton owner sell a car that fails air rules to a buyer who will legally dismantle or wreck it. You give them a compliance or noncompliance certificate at handover. Being junked also takes it out of the smog test. See failed inspection.
• Release. Five days after the sale, REG 138 should be with DMV, sent through its website or the mail.
• Plates. Regular-issue plates normally remain on the car.

Close by

In a straight line, Dublin sits 3.5 miles off, Livermore 6.8, San Ramon 7.3 and Union City 8.7. State rules are on California.

Getting an offer

Reach us at (877) 421-6008 or through the form. Send the form and note any crash damage. In Pleasanton, we drive out to the car wherever it's parked.