Selling a junk car in St. John

When a car on St. John property turns into an abandoned one

Indiana's motor vehicle law draws the line in more than one place. For private land, the trigger is permission: a car parked there past 48 hours without the landowner's say-so is abandoned. For streets and other public ground, the trigger is condition: a car gutted of its drivetrain parts, partly dismantled, or not able to run qualifies once it is left there.

The private-land rule comes up most when a car is left at a friend's or relative's house in a quiet subdivision. The landowner can call an officer to have it removed, or have it tagged. A tagged car still sitting there a day later may be towed at the landowner's request.

The bill that follows a tow

State law puts the cost of an abandoned car on its owner: removal, storage and disposal all land there, with storage stopping at $2,000. One exception helps: once a tower or storer sells the car, its former owner owes no storage. Even so, a car you no longer want is cheaper to sell before it reaches a tow lot.

Crown Point, 5 miles east

Lake County has no part in titles. The state BMV issues them in Indiana. The Crown Point branch at 1244 North Main St. is about 5 miles east of central St. John, as the crow flies. That branch lists 888-692-6841 as its phone, and some title chores also run through BMV Connect kiosks and Partial Service Providers.

A seller here may never set foot inside. Per the BMV, a St. John seller signs the title, notes the mileage, date, price and buyer, and takes off the plates. A notary is not on that list. The new title is the buyer's to apply for.

Plates and a missing title

The plate is yours. The BMV does not require it back and says you may move it to another vehicle you own.

St. John owners whose title is lost, destroyed or faulty can use Indiana's Certificate of Authority on State Form 55018. It costs $4.00 and lets the car be scrapped without getting a new title. A current registration or an insurance settlement can serve as proof that you own it. A car with no VIN also needs a State Form 39530 physical inspection. Junk car with no title explains the rest.

Nearby

Schererville is 3.3 miles away and Crown Point 6.7. Highland is 7.3 miles off, and Munster 7.5, where the town code is online. Merrillville is 8.0 miles away. For statewide rules, see Indiana.

Getting an offer

St. John sellers can call (877) 421-6008 or send our short form. Pickup is wherever it rests, from a cul-de-sac driveway to a relative's yard where it was left.