Selling a junk or dead car in Lawrence

What the junk rule covers

Section 9.08.030 applies to two people at once: whoever stores the car, and "the owner or person in control of any premises" who lets it be stored. That means a landlord can be cited for a tenant's car. Beyond the fine, the city's enforcing staff may seize abandoned material stored in violation. If the owner cannot be found and nobody claims it "within 30 days of seizure," the city may destroy it.

The permit rule in residential zones

A second section, 8.20.060, covers outdoor storage in residential zones. Most things kept outside for more than 15 days must be indoors or screened from view. Operable vehicles are exempt. Broken ones are not: "Inoperable vehicles must be removed from the premises unless a permit for said storage has been obtained from the building commissioner." So in a residential zone, the choices are a permit or removal.

Street parking can get it towed

A car that won't start is also a car that can't move for street rules.

• Weekday nights. From 12:01 to 6 a.m., Monday through Friday, the streets named in Section 10.36.190, among them Ames, Andover, Market, Parker and parts of Salem Street, have even-side parking on even dates and odd-side parking on odd dates.
• Snow emergencies. When the mayor declares one under Section 10.36.031, listed streets switch to alternate-side parking from 12:01 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Cars in the way can be towed at the direction of snow removal or police.
• Service zones. Parking is limited to 15 minutes except while loading.

Each rule allows towing. When police order the tow, state law holds storage for a passenger car in a secure lot to $35 per 24 hours. See towed or impounded.

Title and plates in Massachusetts

A Lawrence seller will not need a notary; the RMV's seller steps never mention one. Put the mileage on the title, then buyer and seller both sign, print and date the transfer. If the title has nowhere for the price, a bill of sale with it goes along. A licensed insurance agent completes and stamps the buyer's side.

The plates leave with you, not the buyer. Lawrence sellers cancel the plates in MyMassGov, file the receipt away, and mail a copy to the insurance carrier. Snip the plates or recycle them afterward. A registered car in Lawrence owes $25 in excise on each $1,000 of value. Cancelling is the only thing that ends those bills. Chapter 90D, section 15(e), clears a seller of later liability once the title is signed and the car delivered. After you sell has the rest.

Getting an offer

Call (877) 421-6008 or fill out the form. Send the Lawrence car through the form. You sell the whole car as it sits, with free pickup anywhere in the US, from a tight back lot or from the curb before the next even-odd night on Parker Street. Methuen is next door at 3.1 miles; the Massachusetts page covers state law.