Selling a dead or junk car in Windsor

Windsor's definition of inoperable

Section 4-1-105 starts with mechanics: a car whose missing or worn parts, "including but not limited to: engine, transmission, driving axle, tires and wheels," leave it "unable to be driven up a highway." Then it adds two paper tests. A car lacking current registration under the state Vehicle Code counts, and so does one "without the safety equipment required by Division 12."

Windsor's council tied the rule to blight, fire risk and danger to children (4-1-100), which explains why the clock is short.

72 hours, then a mailed notice

Section 4-1-205 sets the window at "seventy-two (72) or more consecutive hours" and covers private or public property, "including highways." The Town Manager enforces it and may go onto property to check a car (4-1-200). If the owner refuses entry, the Town Attorney asks a court first.

Windsor's landowner notice allows 10 days from mailing; after that the town removes the car and bills the landowner, administrative costs included. A matching notice goes to the vehicle's registered owner. Hearing requests go to the Town Council within that 10-day span.

The Abandoned Vehicle Hearing Officer may order removal, or "delay the time for the removal of the vehicle" if circumstances justify it (4-1-230). A release signed under 4-1-205 lets Windsor skip the hearing.

Selling from the curb

Section 4-5-400 bars parking on a designated street "for the purpose of displaying same for sale unless the vehicle is parked within four hundred (400) feet of the residence of the registered owner." Police may impound a car cited there within the prior 30 days.

Registration, title and plates

Windsor treats lapsed registration as inoperative, so look up your DMV balance. Without a Planned Non-Operation (REG 102) on file, each unregistered year carries fees and penalties. Sitting for years covers a long-lapsed car.

When you sell, the California title gets your signature as seller, plus a lienholder's if one is listed. DMV then expects your REG 138 within five days. Standard plates transfer with the car; if an owner records the car as Junk with DMV, the plates are surrendered instead. Cars sold for wrecking or dismantling skip the smog check.

Getting an offer

Have a Windsor car to sell? Call (877) 421-6008 or start with our form. We can pick up at a home off Windsor Road, a side yard, or a mechanic's lot. Santa Rosa is 8.7 miles away and Rohnert Park 14.6; the California page has the statewide rules.