Selling a broken-down car in Carol Stream

Two rules for the same driveway

The 30-day definition. Section 14-1-1 calls a car inoperable when, for at least 30 days, parts are gone or it has been "altered, damaged or otherwise treated that the vehicle is incapable of being driven under its own motor power." Left out are cars down for "ordinary service or repair," cars "kept within a building when not in use," and "historic vehicles over 25 years of age."

The disrepair rule. Section 16-4-25(C) reaches anyone who owns or controls cars "in disrepair, rehabilitation, abandonment or otherwise creating a hazard or eyesore." Those may not be parked or stored "on any residentially zoned property other than in completely enclosed buildings." A stalled project under a tarp on the driveway fits the words.

The same chapter lets licensed and operable recreational equipment sit in a side or rear yard by season. Note the word operable.

Streets and other people's property

Section 14-1-14 is one line: "It shall be unlawful for any person to leave any inoperable motor vehicle on any street or highway in the village." On top of that, the traffic schedule makes it unlawful "to park a vehicle on any roadway in a residential district for a period of over 24 hours," with a few listed stretches as exceptions. Even those lose the exception "after a snowfall of 1 inch" until the street is cleared.

A car left on private land that is not its owner's falls under Section 14-1-13. Once "a waiting period of seven days or more has expired," police may authorize its removal. Section 8-8-2 adds a $500 administrative fee when the village seizes a car over offenses such as driving on a suspended license, on top of what the towing company charges.

Selling from DuPage County: title and plates

The Secretary of State issues Illinois titles. You can mail to Springfield or go to a state facility. DuPage County plays no part.

The title carries the Assignment of Title; sign it, date it, print both names and enter the odometer figure. Illinois's seller checklist has no notary on it. Plates are yours and stay off the car once it is sold. A short bill of sale should show the price and the day. Last, the Notice of Sale goes in the mail to Springfield, using the title's bottom stub or a printed VSD 703. Once it's filed, the Carol Stream seller is released, and the buyer gets 20 days to retitle.

Lost the title? Form VSD 190 gets you a duplicate for $50. A car being scrapped can move on a junking certificate, which may be assigned to anyone. DuPage County is in the state emissions area. For a car that has been stripped, see missing parts.

Next step

In Carol Stream, call (877) 421-6008 or use this page's form. We pick up from garages, driveways or shops. Nearby: Glendale Heights, Bloomingdale and Wheaton. Statewide details: Illinois.