North Miami dead cars: the backyard rule and a whole-car sale

The city's test for an inoperative car

Section 20-7 defines an inoperative vehicle as one "in a state of disrepair and incapable of being moved under its own power," or one that cannot be driven lawfully. A car is deemed inoperative if it lacks a current registration tag, or if one or more parts it needs to run are "missing, were dismantled, are inoperative, or are not attached to the vehicle as designed." An expired tag alone meets the test.

Twenty-four hours on public property

Chapter 10 sets out when a vehicle counts as abandoned. The 24-hour mark comes up twice in Section 10-1:

• a vehicle or part "left on public property continuously without being moved for a period of twenty-four (24) hours or more"
• a car left for at least a day on private property without the landowner's OK

Any vehicle on public property without a valid unexpired plate, decal or registration also qualifies. So does any vehicle "which is inoperable or cannot move under its own power due to defective or missing parts."

Street and lot limits

• 135th Street. East of Biscayne Boulevard, Section 20-112 says no vehicle may stay in one space more than 72 hours, "otherwise it shall be considered abandoned and subject to towing." Overnight parking there runs on permits from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
• City lots and garages. Section 20-27 bars leaving a vehicle more than 24 hours on city pay parking unless posted otherwise or arranged in advance.
• Unpaid tickets. Under Section 20-62, a car carrying five or more unpaid city parking tickets may not park on city property, streets or swales, and can be immobilized or impounded.

Title office for North Miami

Title work for North Miami goes to the FLHSMV-listed counter on NW 2nd Ave in Miami, number 200, phone (305) 375-5448. From the middle of the city it is about 9 miles south, as the crow flies.

Florida title, plate and brand rules

Florida asks no notary of a seller. Sign where the title says seller, then write who bought the car, their address, its mileage, the price and the day. Keep the tag. A 30-day clock then runs on HSMV 82050, the Notice of Sale; once it is in, the car stops carrying your registration.

If the car is in a late relative's name or was never transferred to you, see car not in your name first. A car totaled by water gets a flood stamp on its title, and Florida requires that stamp before any sale. FLHSMV calls these labels brands, and insurers report flooded cars. Our flood damage guide explains selling one.

Getting an offer

Send the details online or call (877) 421-6008: what year and model, how many miles, does it start, is the title clear. Backyard, driveway or repair-shop lot, the truck goes there. Nearby: North Miami Beach, Aventura and Miami Gardens. See Florida for statewide rules.