Selling a junk car in Bartlett

The rules on Bartlett streets

A car that will not run gets very little time at the curb. Section 6-11-1304.1 makes it unlawful "to park any inoperative vehicle or any machinery of any kind on any street or public right-of-way for more than five (5) consecutive hours." The same section bans leaving a car on the street "for the purpose of displaying it for sale," so a sign in the window at the curb is out.

Section 6-4-300 lists what turns a street car into a tow. It may be treated as abandoned once it "has not been moved for a period of at least twenty four (24) hours" and looks deserted. Separate categories cover one showing "expired, suspended, revoked, or invalid license plates or registration," and one that "prevents and obstructs snow removal."

A dead car in public view

On private land, the test is what neighbors can see. Section 6-4-301 declares "any inoperable vehicle or any part thereof, located on private property and in view of the general public" a public nuisance. Bartlett can't remove an abandoned car until the owner gets notice and a chance at a hearing. Hazardous and unlawful ones "may be towed without notice," and the owner and lienholder get a letter within 48 hours.

The definitions carve some cars out: one sidelined briefly for routine work, a running historic car past 25 years that is stored lawfully, and cars sitting at a legitimate repair, towing, salvage or junk business.

The 10-day hold

After an inoperable car is impounded, Section 6-4-314 has it "kept by the village or its agent for a period of at least ten (10) days" while staff look for the owner or lienholder. If nobody responds, "the village may authorize the disposal of the vehicle as junk." Section 6-4-309 runs a similar 10-day path for abandoned cars older than seven years, adding certified mail and a stolen-car check. A car pulled off private land goes back only when the owner proves it will be kept so it is no longer a nuisance.

Junking certificates and titles in Illinois

Illinois runs a separate track for cars bound for scrap. If you own a junk vehicle, you get 15 days to mail in the title with your application for a junking certificate. With no lienholder on record, keeping the title is allowed. The certificate covers holding, hauling or passing on the car, it is never swapped back for a title, and anyone at all may receive it. A salvage certificate has stricter limits. Bartlett goes by the Illinois rule here. Only licensed rebuilders, licensed scrap processors, parts recyclers and out-of-state salvage buyers qualify.

Springfield's Secretary of State office, or one of its facilities, handles titles. Replacing a lost one costs $50 on form VSD 190, though the state refuses one within 15 days of the first title or 30 days of a prior copy. Your plates leave with you, not the car. See junk car with no title if the paper is missing.

Getting an offer

Bartlett owners can call (877) 421-6008 for an offer. We pick up at home, in a garage, or where it quit. Hanover Park and Streamwood are close by, and Illinois has the state rules.