Selling a dead car in Richfield

Snow emergencies do not help a dead car

After 4 inches of snow, or once the city manager declares a snow emergency, Section 1305.13 says no one may "stop, stand, park or leave any vehicle" on any street. Parking resumes only after the street is "plowed curb to curb."

Section 1315 gives residents a place to go during that time. Covered vehicles may park in front yards, close to the driveway, during the permitted period. But the code defines "covered vehicle" as all motor vehicles "except those vehicles which are subject to the provisions of section 1320 relating to outside storage." Section 1320 is the inoperable-vehicle rule. So in Richfield a car that will not run cannot use the front yard, and it cannot stay on the street either.

When police tow from the street

Under 1305.11, a Richfield officer may haul a car parked, abandoned or left in violation of the code to a garage or storage place. The officer then mails the owner written notice that the car was removed and where it was taken. If no owner can be found and nobody claims the car in five days, the state motor vehicle registrar gets a report. Before the car is handed back, the owner pays "the reasonable costs of such impounding and the reasonable storage charges."

A breakdown at a gas station

Richfield limits how long a service station can hold a broken car. Section 1150.09 allows a vehicle in need of repair to stay "for a period not to exceed seven (7) days." It must carry a city placard inside, reading "this vehicle received by this station for repair on (date)." Staying longer takes a police directive. Junked vehicles, defined in 1150.03 as lacking vital parts such as "the motor, drive train, and wheels," may not be stored there at all without a law enforcement directive. If the car died at a station on Lyndale Avenue and the repair is out of reach, the week goes quickly.

Title office and ending your liability

For Richfield sellers we checked Hennepin County's office in downtown Minneapolis. Ask for Suite A-025 once you reach 300 South 6th Street. The number there is 612-348-8240. It lies roughly 7 miles due north of the middle of Richfield, as the crow flies. Richfield sellers can also use any of Minnesota's other deputy registrars, which drive.mn.gov maps.

Statute 168A.10 is the rule that protects you. When the car changes hands, sign over the title with the real selling price, the date and the disclosures. Then send DVS the Notice of Sale, either the detachable form or the online version, within ten days. An owner who has complied, even "within 48 hours after delivery," is not liable as owner for damages the car causes afterward. The DVS steps list no notary for the seller. In Richfield, the buyer keeps the plates along with the car.

Nearby

Bloomington is 3.5 miles away, Edina 4.0, Minneapolis 6.2 and St. Louis Park 6.5. The Minnesota page gathers the statewide rules.

Getting an offer

Send the form or call (877) 421-6008. Richfield sellers can get an offer from the short form. If the engine or transmission is the problem, see blown engine or bad transmission. A Richfield car can be picked up at the station holding it, in a garage, or on a driveway.