Selling a junk car in Apple Valley

Two ways a car becomes abandoned here

Section 90.01 sets out two routes. The first covers a car that "lacks vital component parts or is in an inoperable condition such that it has no substantial potential for future use consistent with its usual functions." The second is the 90-day clock, for a car that "has remained on private property for a period of 90 days or more and is not properly licensed for operation within the state."

Apple Valley gives both routes the same exception: a garage or storage building with walls and a door. Seasonal service vehicles that need a license for only part of the year are excused from the 90-day test. The code also says a classic car or pioneer car "shall not be considered an abandoned vehicle."

The ban in 90.08 reaches people other than the owner. It is unlawful "to store or keep, or permit another to store or keep" an abandoned, junk or unauthorized vehicle outdoors. A homeowner who lets a relative's dead sedan sit on the lot shares the problem.

If the dead car is one of several parked outside, Section 71.19 also limits outdoor parking on residential lots. The City Council can approve an annual "on site parking permit" for more than four vehicles, up to six, on R-1 through R-5 lots.

When an Apple Valley officer orders a tow

Under 90.02, an officer can have a car that is a public nuisance or abandoned hauled to the city's towing contractor. Police tag the car with the reason for the tow and send the tag along with the tow sheet. Section 35.05 says the city disposes of abandoned and junk vehicles under state law.

The contractor then has five days, skipping Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, to notify the registered owner and any known lienholder. The notice lists the towing charges so far and the storage rates, and it starts a deadline. For an abandoned or junk car you have 15 days to reclaim it, and for an unauthorized vehicle you have 45. If you miss the deadline, the code treats it as "a waiver by them of all right, title and interest in the vehicle" and as consent to a public sale or auction.

To get the car back, bring proof of ownership, proof of valid Minnesota driving privileges and proof of the insurance the law requires on that vehicle, then pay the towing and storage bill. If you dropped coverage on a car that has been parked for months, sort that out before you go. The towed or impounded guide covers the rest.

Signing over a Dakota County car

Dakota County sellers transfer ownership at a deputy registrar. About 200 such offices serve Minnesota, Apple Valley included; find them at drive.mn.gov or 651-297-2005. The state prints the new title.

On the DVS seller list, an Apple Valley seller handprints and signs the assignment. No notary step appears on that list. If a bank still shows on the title, include its lien release card or a notarized release. Write in the price and the sale date, and fill in the odometer and damage boxes.

Leave the plates on; the buyer of your Apple Valley car takes them and the tax you paid on them. Within ten days of the sale, detach the Notice of Sale and mail it to DVS or file it online. Once that's done, Statute 168A.10 says the Apple Valley seller isn't liable as owner for the buyer's later driving. After you sell lists the last few steps.

Nearby

Burnsville is 4.1 miles away, Eagan 5.2 and Lakeville 5.4. For the statewide rules, see Minnesota.

Getting an offer

Use the form or call (877) 421-6008. Tell us about your Apple Valley car on our short offer form. Pickup is free anywhere in the US, and the driver can load the car from an Apple Valley garage stall or driveway, or from the impound yard once it has been released to you.