Palatine: selling off a car that no longer runs

The 48-hour rule and the 15-day letter

The 48-hour limit sits in Section 7.03, the parking schedule in the zoning ordinance. It covers residential property, and the only way around it named there is a fully enclosed garage. Nothing is said about carports or car covers.

When the village treats a car as a nuisance, Section 28-123 has it send notice, "personally delivered or mailed by certified or registered mail," telling the person in control to "dispose of said vehicle within 15 days from the date of said such notice." The count starts on the notice date, not the day you open the envelope. If the car is still there afterward, Section 28-126 lets the police department dispose of it "pursuant to the provisions of 625 ILCS 5/4-201, 625 ILCS 5/4-214," the state's abandoned-vehicle laws.

Business lots and public spaces

Business districts follow Section 11.01. Vehicles shown outdoors for sale must be "in operable condition," and "Outdoor storage of inoperable vehicles shall not be allowed unless adequate screening is provided." A broken car parked behind a storefront needs a screen or a buyer.

Public parking has its own clock. Section 28-103 bars leaving any vehicle in an on-street or off-street public space "continually for a period longer than seven consecutive days," even with the fee paid or a permit in the window.

Tickets can lead to a tow

Under Section 28-175, a vehicle whose owners have three or more unpaid parking citations issued within 18 months is a public nuisance and can be removed or impounded. Getting it back takes proof of the right to possession and payment of every accrued fine and cost. For cars held under the village's administrative process, Section 2-938 adds towing and daily impound charges, unless a hearing officer orders a release after a hearing. If the fines have grown past what the car means to you, read tickets or a registration hold.

Selling a Palatine car under Illinois law

The Illinois Secretary of State issues titles; Cook County does not. The seller's part happens on the title itself. At handover, complete and sign the Assignment of Title. On a Palatine title, every seller and buyer writes and signs a name, and the odometer certification is completed. The state's seller steps do not list a notary. The plates are yours, so take them with you. A Palatine bill of sale should list the price and the sale date. Mail the Notice of Sale immediately to the Vehicle Services Department, 501 S. Second St., Room 629, Springfield.

If the car is going to scrap, Illinois uses a junking certificate instead of a new title. If no lienholder is listed, the owner can get one without turning in the title. Anyone can receive a junking certificate. Palatine is in Cook County too, where the state runs emissions tests on 1996 and newer gas cars after they turn four years old.

Close to Palatine

In a straight line, Rolling Meadows is 3.0 miles off and Arlington Heights is 3.5. Buffalo Grove is 5.4. The Illinois page has the statewide picture.

Getting an offer

Call (877) 421-6008 or send the form. The form covers your Palatine car. Pickup works from subdivision driveways, closed garages or screened business lots.