Selling a junk car whole in Hamtramck

Where a junk car may be kept

The city makes the same rule twice, once as a misdemeanor (Section 93.003) and once as a civil infraction (Section 93.045). Both bar storing "junk automobiles or abandoned vehicles on any private property in the city except within a completely enclosed building" or on a licensed dealer's lot.

Section 72.015 in Hamtramck says it differently: a motor vehicle "in a rusted, wrecked, junk and partially dismantled or inoperative condition" can't remain on private property unless an auto repair business owns it or it's "completely enclosed within a garage." After the city serves notice, that section gives 30 days in a rear yard, as long as the car sits 20 feet or more from the neighboring residential lot. Its wording is hard to follow, so confirm with the city before relying on it.

The 48-hour letter

Section 93.007 lets the chief of police remove a junk or abandoned car, or its parts, from "any unenclosed private property" after notifying the owner or occupant in writing "at least 48 hours prior to the removal." The car goes to the city pound and is disposed of under the law. Removal does not wipe out the violation: you still owe the penalty and the duty to keep the property clear.

Streets, snow and the pound

• Plates. Section 72.015 bars leaving a car on city streets, highways or parking lots unless it shows current plates registered to it.
• Snow. Section 53.013 lets the police chief remove cars from snow-emergency streets and fire routes. The ban lasts until it is called off or the listed streets are cleared curb to curb.
• Impound. Under Section 76.003, police log an impounded car in the state LEIN system within 24 hours and send written notice to the registered owner. The tow company may not release it until police authorize that, after all towing, storage and administrative fees are paid. If no one redeems it within seven days, it is processed as an abandoned vehicle under state law.

Michigan title and scrap rules

Wayne County does not issue Hamtramck titles. The Michigan Department of State does, through its Secretary of State branch offices. In Hamtramck, complete the odometer statement and seller's section, have all listed owners sign the original title, and give it to the buyer. The seller steps don't list a notary.

Under MCL 257.217c, a dealer who takes an older car from its owner must receive an assigned title. Within 30 days of destroying the car, a scrap metal processor turns that title in to the state. For a $15 application, a Hamtramck owner gets a scrap certificate of title. It lets the car be moved but never driven, and the car can never go back to a regular title.

Remove the plate before the car goes. You keep it; if it stays on, the next owner's tickets could fall to you. Hamtramck sellers should file away a copy of the title they signed and keep it 18 months or longer.

Getting an offer

Call (877) 421-6008 or use the form about your Hamtramck car. We pick up on Hamtramck side streets near Joseph Campau, in garages, or over in Detroit, 2.5 miles off on a direct line. Warren has its own page, and Michigan covers the statewide rules.