Selling a dead or junk car in Northbrook

The 120-day cover rule

A cover buys time in Northbrook, but not much. Section 16-2 lists "any vehicle kept under a tarp or car cover for more than 120 days" among the cars that fall under the rule. So a project car that went under a cover in spring is likely past the limit by fall, running or not. If that car is a half-done restoration, our classic project car guide may help.

Notice, then tow

The village manager, or a designee, may serve "a written notice requiring the removal and disposal of the same within the time specified in the notice." No fixed day count appears in the code, so the deadline is whatever the notice itself says. If the car stays, the manager can have it "towed as an abandoned vehicle" under Chapter 24, Article III.

That article, in Section 24-52, sorts cars into groups. Abandoned cars "may be towed after prior notice and the affording of an opportunity for a hearing." Hazardous and unlawful cars "may be towed immediately." Towed cars are held only at lots the police chief approves. Our page on a notice to remove a car covers what to do with the letter.

Snow emergencies

The village is in a snow emergency "immediately following the accumulation of at least two inches of snow within a 24-hour period." It lasts until snow work is finished, and the public works director announces the end with signs at village entrances, the mass notification system and social media.

Meanwhile, Section 24-12 makes any car on a public street a hazardous vehicle, towable without notice. The only exemption is the on-street parking on the north side of Milton Avenue between Keystone and Angle Avenues. A car that will not start is stuck where it sits when the snow comes.

Getting a towed car back

Section 24-56 starts with paying the towing agent every towing and storage charge. To take the car before a requested hearing, post a cash bond with the village finance director covering the administrative charge, any penalty, and the towing and storage costs. A Northbrook owner who skips the bond gets the car back by showing the towing agent ID and proof of ownership and paying what the hearing officer sets.

What Illinois asks of the seller

Here is the seller's side, according to the Secretary of State. A Northbrook seller takes the plates off and keeps them. The title gets your signature and the date in its assignment block. For a Northbrook sale, the Illinois FAQ says federal and state law make each buyer and seller print and sign their names and fill out the odometer certification. A Northbrook bill of sale should show the price, the day of the sale, and the buyer's name and home address. Northbrook sellers then put the "Notice of Sale" stub in the mail to Springfield. A replacement title, if you need one, is $50.

Getting an offer

Ring (877) 421-6008. Let us know the model and year, about how far it has gone, and what is up with the title. Our pickup can happen in your garage, near downtown on Shermer Road, or at a shop. Glenview, Highland Park and Wheeling are nearby, and Illinois has the state rules.