Selling a dead car in West Chicago

What counts, and what is exempt

Section 10-23 defines the terms. A car is inoperable when removed, altered or damaged parts like the engine or wheels keep it from moving by itself "for a period of seven (7) days or greater." An abandoned car is one in disrepair, or one that has not moved for "seven (7) consecutive days or more and is apparently deserted." A car can also be "improperly stored," which covers a car that is inoperable, abandoned or not properly registered and has sat in the city for seven days or more. A car laid up only for ordinary service or repair is not included.

The ban in Section 10-24 does not apply to:

• a vehicle enclosed in a building on private property
• a vehicle held by a state-licensed business in the right zone
• an antique vehicle
• a vehicle in a lawful storage place

Under 10-24, the way out is a closed building on private property.

Seven days, then the tow

Section 10-27 lets the chief of police order removal "after a waiting period of seven (7) days or more has expired." The owner or lienholder gets notice and a chance for a hearing first, under Sections 10-28 and 10-29. If a car is a traffic hazard, the city can move quicker.

After a tow, Section 10-32 lets the owner redeem the car before it is disposed of. To get it back, prove you own it and pay the city for towing, storage and any ads for the sale. When nobody claims it, Section 10-31 counts 30 days from the notice:

• Seven years old or newer: auctioned to "a person licensed as an automotive parts recycler, rebuilder or scrap processor or the towing operator that towed the vehicle." The sale notice is posted at least 10 days ahead.
• Older than seven years: the chief may authorize disposal "as junk or salvage."

Boots move faster. Under Section 11-215, a car whose boot is not released within "twenty-four (24) hours of its placement" is towed and impounded.

The Illinois paperwork

West Chicago car titles are issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. You can mail to Springfield or walk into one of its facilities.

• Sign: the West Chicago seller signs the Assignment of Title and writes in the date. The state's seller steps need no notary.
• Plates: remove them before the car leaves West Chicago. The buyer doesn't get them, you keep them.
• Report: send Springfield the Notice of Sale with no delay. Use the stub on the title or a printed VSD 703.
• Lost title: the replacement fee is $50, requested on VSD 190, and only the Illinois owner may apply, not an out-of-state buyer.
• Loan still listed: a junk car with a lienholder needs the title surrendered with the junking certificate application within 15 days. See lien still on the title.

Emissions testing covers DuPage County, which includes West Chicago.

Getting an offer

Selling a West Chicago car? Call (877) 421-6008, or start with the offer form. Pickup works at the Metra lots south of Main Street, at a repair shop, or in Carol Stream, 4.9 miles off in a straight line. See the Illinois page for state rules.