How to sell a junk car in Lansing

Ten days, written twice

The ten-day limit appears in two chapters of the code. Section 48-77, in the nuisance rules, covers "any partially dismantled, wrecked, junked, discarded or otherwise nonoperating motor vehicle." Section 38-245, in the traffic chapter, says the same about private property: no such vehicle may remain "longer than ten days." Both also bar leaving one on someone else's land for more than ten days.

Streets and village land get no grace period at all. In Lansing, Section 38-244 bars leaving a "partially dismantled, nonoperating, wrecked or junked vehicle" on any village street or highway. The same goes for village property, even outside the corporate limits.

Lots, shops and driveways

• Village parking lots: Section 38-217 caps daytime parking at four consecutive hours. Moving a dead car into a public lot does not help.
• Repair shops: Section 56-289 says major auto repair shops in the B2 and B3 districts may not keep vehicles outside unless a solid fence or brick wall screens them. It also says "wrecked or junked vehicles shall not be stored" beyond set time limits.
• Residential lots: Section 38-201 allows only standard passenger vehicles, such as cars, vans, SUVs and pickups, to be parked outdoors on residential property. Box trucks, tow trucks and commercial trailers are not allowed.

What an impound costs

If the village impounds a car under Section 38-398, it stays there until one of three things happens. You pay the village a $500 penalty, or a smaller sum the hearing officer sets, plus the tow company's fees. Or you post a $500 bond with the police department and pay the towing fees. Or the car is declared abandoned and disposed of under state law. On an old car with a dead engine, those charges can quickly pass what the car is worth. Towed or impounded explains your options.

Signing it over in Illinois

Lansing is in Cook County, but the county issues no titles. That's the Illinois Secretary of State's job.

• Title: your signature, printed name and the date belong in the Assignment of Title area, along with the odometer certification federal and state law demand. Illinois doesn't list a notary for sellers.
• Plates: they're yours, so take them off before the buyer leaves.
• Paperwork for you: in Lansing, keep a bill of sale showing the sale date and price, plus the buyer's name and address. The bill of sale guide shows what to include.
• Notice of Sale: remove the title's bottom stub (or print VSD 703) and mail it to Springfield right away.
• Scrap route: apply for a junking certificate for a junk car within 15 days. With no lienholder, you keep the title.

In Lansing, the buyer must title the car within 20 days and pay the $165 fee.

Getting an offer

Lansing owners can ring (877) 421-6008 or reach us online. We pick up at a house, a shop, or a relative's place in Calumet City, 2.2 miles away in a straight line. State rules are collected on the Illinois page.