Selling a dead or junk car in Mount Prospect

Ten hours on the street

The same section goes further for cars that are a hazard. An "abandoned, unattended, wrecked, burned or partially dismantled vehicle" that creates a traffic hazard, or whose look is slowing traffic, can be towed at once from the street or from private property next to it. Whether the tow starts on public or private land, the bill goes to the vehicle's owner.

At home: the property maintenance code

Mount Prospect amended its property maintenance code to add trailers to the motor-vehicle rule. It now reads: "no inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle or trailer shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and no vehicle or trailer shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled." The residential parking section, 14.2203, adds that cars, trucks and vans may park "only upon an approved driveway or parking pad."

A rule that reaches past the village line

Section 23.1403 applies "within the territorial jurisdiction of the village and within one-half (1/2) mile of the corporate limits." On its list: letting "any motor vehicle not in operating condition or current use, or any motor vehicle parts or components" accumulate or remain on public or private ground. So an address just outside town can still fall under the list.

Snow and the boot

Section 18.1314 says once two inches of snow fall, you can't park on any public right of way that hasn't been plowed for 24 hours. A Mount Prospect car that won't run can't move when the plow comes.

Section 18.1907 covers the boot. Notice of impending immobilization goes out by certified and first-class mail at least 21 days before a plate number is added to the list. A boot not released within 24 hours can turn into a tow. The owner gets notice of the impoundment within ten days. A Mount Prospect car left unclaimed 30 days past that notice may be sold or disposed of.

What happens to an impounded old car

For an abandoned vehicle "of more than seven (7) years of age," Section 18.1809 has police hold it at least ten days while they try to reach the owner and check state stolen-vehicle files. After that, with no word from the owner, "the police department shall authorize the disposal of the vehicle as junk only." An antique may be sold to someone who wants to restore it.

Illinois title, plates and emissions

The Illinois Secretary of State issues titles; there is no county step. When you sell, sign over the Assignment of Title on the certificate to the buyer. On a Mount Prospect title, each seller and buyer prints and signs, and the odometer reading is written in the same spot. No notary is part of the state's seller steps. Plates come off before the car leaves, since they belong to you. Once a Mount Prospect car sells, promptly mail form VSD 703 or the stub marked Notice of Sale.

Mount Prospect is in Cook County, where the state tests 1996 and newer gas cars once they are four years old. In Mount Prospect, a car that keeps failing may earn a repair waiver once its owner has put $1,176 or more into emissions repairs. Failed emissions lays out the options.

Neighbors

Des Plaines is 2.8 miles away in a straight line, Arlington Heights 3.2 and Rolling Meadows 4.6. Statewide rules are on Illinois.

Getting an offer

Call (877) 421-6008 or use the online form for your Mount Prospect car. Driveway, parking pad, garage or shop all work.