A dead car in San Bernardino: keep it inside or sell it

Four rules that reach a parked car

• 8.30.020(F) lists "the existence of any abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative motor vehicle upon the premises contrary to the provisions of the municipal code."
• 8.30.020(G) reaches residential zones: heavy trucks are out, and other vehicles may not sit on "the landscaped front and street side yard setback area of all residential zones, including, but not limited to, the front lawn areas."
• 10.16.230 makes it unlawful to leave a vehicle "for 72 or more consecutive hours" on city streets, alleys or city-run lots. Private land counts too when nobody consented. Conviction means "a fine of not less than $100" and proof that removal and disposal were paid for.
• 10.04.025 uses the same three days, without the owner's consent, to define abandonment in San Bernardino.

Recreation vehicles have their own clock under 10.16.260: 48 continuous hours in front of a home for loading or unloading, then 48 hours away and a move of at least 500 feet.

When the city opens an abatement

Chapter 8.36 draws on Vehicle Code 22660 through 22664. Its findings declare that such a car "on private or public property, not including highways, except as expressly hereinafter permitted, is a public nuisance." In San Bernardino a hearing officer runs these cases under 8.36.110. That officer "may delay the time for removal of the vehicle or part thereof if, in the hearing officer’s opinion, the circumstances justify it," may order the car hauled away, and may set the costs charged against the parcel.

A landlord or neighbor who never wanted the car has a shield. If the hearing finds the car arrived "without the consent of the land owner and that he or she has not subsequently acquiesced in its presence," the officer "shall not assess costs of administration or removal" against that property.

If a tow company took it

Private-property tows in San Bernardino carry a city surcharge. Section 10.16.290 says the car's owner "shall pay" a fee the Mayor and City Council set by resolution, and the tow operator collects it alongside its own charges. Operators also owe the Police Department a tow report "by the end of the business day following the tow."

From there, the yard can hold onto the car until it gets paid, under Civil Code 3068.1. Valued at $4,000 or less, the car falls under Civil Code 3072: the yard mails its notice, and San Bernardino owners then see a sale dated 31 to 41 days from that envelope, and objecting takes a signed opposition form back inside 10 days. Towed or impounded covers the options.

Selling it under California rules

San Bernardino title work goes through the state DMV, by mail or in person at a field office. Your signature goes on the seller line of the California title. The buyer submits it in San Bernardino, paying the $15 transfer charge at the same time. DMV's seller steps leave out any notary. If the title is lost, REG 227 gets you a new one. Sold for dismantling, a San Bernardino junker needs no smog check. In most cases the plates go with the car. For a San Bernardino car listed as junk, the plates are returned to DMV. San Bernardino sellers have 5 days to get REG 138 to DMV, online or by post. Then any tickets or lawsuits dated after the sale fall on the buyer.

Getting an offer

Fill out the form or ring (877) 421-6008. Use the offer form for your San Bernardino car. Our truck can reach a carport, a garage, the curb or an impound lot. Nearby: Rialto, Colton, plus the California page.