Junk cars in Groton: the rules and a way out

How Section 5-3 describes blight

The ordinance targets property "in a state of disrepair or is becoming dilapidated," which it explains as a physically deteriorating condition "causing unsafe or unsanitary conditions or a nuisance to the general public." One of its examples is a parking lot with more than ten spaces showing cracks, potholes or plants growing up through the pavement.

The ten-day mark and the citation

Ten days is the date to watch. The ordinance's next steps turn on a violation that "continues unabated after ten days from the date such order to abate served," or on an owner who neither fixes the problem nor tells the town of a plan to.

A citation can follow. Within 12 months after the last day to pay it without contest, Groton sends a notice to the person cited. Anyone ready to admit liability can pay the full amount in person or by mail, skipping the hearing.

The state rules behind it

• Groton's blight power comes from a state statute, which requires written notice to owners and a fair chance to correct things. That statute is silent on vehicles.
• State law is broken when a Groton car sits on a highway, or on someone else's land, for more than 24 hours. That infraction costs $85 at minimum.
• If a car is a danger to traffic or to public health and safety, state police, DMV inspectors or local officers can take it, whether it is on a road or not.

The DMV office in Norwich

For Groton we checked the DMV in Norwich at 173 Salem Turnpike. As the crow flies, it lies about 12 miles north of Groton's center. Groton itself issues no titles; Connecticut's DMV does that for the whole state.

Paperwork when a Groton car sells

• In Groton, the seller's signature goes on the title's back, and a bill of sale goes along too, either Form H-31 or a homemade one. Copies are yours to keep.
• Over 20 model years old? Then there is no title; Form Q-1 together with your newest registration certificate does the job.
• Plates remain yours. Cancelling the registration also removes the car from Groton's property-tax rolls, so file that receipt.
• Liability insurance should stay on until the DMV records the cancellation.

After you sell has the details, and the Connecticut page has the statewide rules.

Nearby towns

New London is 3.5 miles away and Waterford 6.0. Norwich is 14.2 miles north.

Getting an offer

Selling a car in Groton? Call (877) 421-6008 or send the offer form. Mention any Groton blight notice. We pick up from a house, a parking lot or a shop in Groton.