Selling a junk car in Twentynine Palms

Chapter 19.147, read closely

Twentynine Palms defines dismantled broadly: parts removed so the vehicle "cannot or will not be made operational." The word vehicle here "specifically includes boats and trailers," and loose vehicle parts count as well. A wheelless boat trailer behind a Twentynine Palms house is in scope, the same as a sedan.

Enforcement belongs to the City Manager. Section 19.147.060 lets that office enter property "to investigate, examine, post, serve notices, cite or tow," while using "reasonable efforts to give reasonable notice" to the people living there. The City Manager also sets the value of any car being removed and "may consult applicable guides" to do it. Towing and storage fees come from city resolution.

Ten calendar days in Twentynine Palms

1. Under Section 19.147.090, the landowner and the car owner each get a 10-calendar-day notice by registered or certified mail. If a Twentynine Palms car's ID numbers are unreadable, the notice goes to the landowner alone.
2. The notice says to remove the car "within ten calendar days from the date of your receipt of this notice." Otherwise the City of Twentynine Palms removes it and bills the landowner, administrative costs included.
3. After a hearing officer orders removal, a Twentynine Palms car may go to storage or impound "Ten days from the date of mailing" of that decision if nobody appeals, or 15 days past a City Council ruling on appeal.
4. When the DMV has a registration on record, registered and legal owners get word from the City Manager before final disposal.

Twentynine Palms streets

The city sections we have cover property. For streets, California law governs. Vehicle Code 22651 lets Twentynine Palms tow a car that has sat for 72 consecutive hours or longer against a local ordinance. Vehicle Code 22669 lets Twentynine Palms officers tow at once from public right-of-way any car left without a windshield, doors, tires, wheels, transmission or engine.

Title and plates from Twentynine Palms

California's DMV runs titles statewide.

• Sign as seller; the buyer files it. Selling a car in Twentynine Palms doesn't take a notary under the DMV's seller steps.
• Twentynine Palms sellers get 5 days for REG 138, online or on paper.
• Normal plates stay put on the car, except when an owner records it as Junk. Then they're surrendered.
• San Bernardino County appears on a DMV list of counties whose smog rules differ by ZIP code. That hardly matters for a Twentynine Palms junker. Cars going to a wrecker or dismantler skip the Smog Check.

Partly stripped car? Read missing parts. Parked for ages? Try car sitting for years.

Near Twentynine Palms

Yucca Valley is 20.4 miles away as the crow flies. Desert Hot Springs is 30.3 miles and Indio 30.4. For state rules, see California.

Getting an offer

Phone (877) 421-6008 or send us a note. Share the car's details and odometer, if it runs, if the title is in your hands, and if it's up on blocks. You sell the whole car as it sits, with free pickup anywhere in the US. The truck can find it on a lot along Highway 62 or at a house at the far edge of town.