Getting rid of a junk car in Central

When a dead car makes a property blighted

Section 12:651 lists conditions that can make a property blighted, and one is "junked inoperable vehicles." The code describes those as cars "ten years old or older, in such a state of deterioration that they cannot be profitably restored and which have a fair market value of $500 or less." The dollar figure is part of the legal test, not a price.

An antique escapes the definitions if it is "25 years or older, which is operable and substantially in its original condition," registered as an antique and showing antique plates.

Street clocks

• Nine hours. Section 11:423 caps parking on any street at "nine hours of any 24-hour period," with each day running from six in the morning to six the next morning.
• Five days. Section 11:291 lets police remove a vehicle left "abandoned or continuously unattended" on a street or public property "for a period in excess of five days."
• Blocking traffic. The same section allows removal when a disabled car is a hazard or obstruction.

Under Section 2:351, abandoned inoperative vehicles taken off city streets go to an approved wrecker service, with the towing and service fees charged to the owner or anyone claiming the car.

Empty houses and the 15-day notice

If the car sits at an unoccupied property and the owner cannot be found, or certified mail comes back unclaimed, Section 12:508 has the city advertise in the official journal of East Baton Rouge. "If no response is forthcoming after the 15-day period," the city may take the car. When a notice to an occupant is returned "unclaimed," it can be posted on the door instead, and the 15 days start that day.

Selling it: scrap affidavit or title

Central is in East Baton Rouge Parish, one of the five parishes where emissions testing continues after the inspection sticker ends on Jan. 1, 2027.

A car going to scrap needs no title in Louisiana. You sign an affidavit stating ownership, or your right to sell, and the scrap processor or dismantler keeps it with your ID. After the buyer enters the VIN in the OMV auto hulk database, no jurisdiction can ever title or register it again. For a sale with a title, the assignment is notarized and the plate leaves with you; cancel it before you cancel the insurance. More on missing paperwork: junk car with no title.

Nearby

As the crow flies: Baton Rouge 9.9 miles, Zachary 10.6, St. George 13.5 and Hammond 34.7. Statewide rules: Louisiana.

Getting an offer

Have a car to sell in Central? Use the offer form or call (877) 421-6008. Pickup can happen right at the carport or along the curb where it last parked.