Selling a dead or junk car in Alton

In view of the public is enough

Section 8-6-3 declares "All inoperable motor vehicles in view of the general public, whether on public or private property within the city," to be nuisances. Miss the seven days and "the police department may remove said inoperable vehicles." Each offense can also draw a fine under Section 1-4-1.

The zoning performance standards in Section 11-7-1 add a yard rule. Because of "the unsightliness of visibly damaged and visibly inoperable automobiles," no such car may be stored outdoors "in any part of a front yard." A side or rear yard is allowed only behind landscaping or fencing that makes "an opaque screen at least six feet (6') in height."

Leaving a dead car on someone else's land is a separate offense. The code requires the owner's permission plus the city's, and lets the police chief order removal after seven days.

When a car on the street counts as abandoned

Section 8-8-10 lets Alton officers tow a car off a street as abandoned when it is:

• so broken down it "is incapable of being driven"
• "not used or moved for more than five (5) consecutive days and is apparently deserted"
• left unattended and turned into a hazard by fire, snow or something similar

Alton must then tell the owner about the right to a hearing, by hand delivery or certified letter, either at the tow or within five business days (Section 8-8-11). The towing company may not release the car without paperwork from the Alton police. Thirty days after the window for further review closes, an unredeemed car can be treated as unclaimed. Section 8-6-7 says a car nobody claims goes to public sale if it is seven years old or newer. Cars older than that sit for ten days minimum while the department tries to contact the owner.

Flood cars and Illinois titles

The photo above shows Alton during the June 2008 Mississippi River flood. If your car took on water, the 50% line decides its title: Illinois makes a flood vehicle salvage only when fixing it would cost more than half its fair market value. Branded cars carry "flood" on the salvage certificate and on titles that follow. Flood damage covers selling one.

Flooded or not, an Alton sale follows the same state steps. Date and sign the assignment area of the title. Remove your plates. Post the Notice of Sale promptly to "Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Department, Record Inquiry Division, 501 S. Second St., Room 629, Springfield, IL 62756." The state's seller instructions skip any notary. Madison County does not handle titles. The Secretary of State does, by mail or at a state facility. A new copy is $50 on form VSD 190. Madison County cars fall under Metro-East emissions testing, yet a car sold whole as it sits needs no passing result.

Nearby

From Alton in a straight line, Edwardsville is 11.7 miles, Granite City 12.1 and Collinsville 17.5. See Illinois for state rules.

Getting an offer

Call (877) 421-6008 or fill out the form online. Our quick form walks Alton sellers through the details we need about the car. Tell us about any notice from the housing inspector. We can collect a car parked near the riverfront, one behind a six-foot fence, or one at a garage.