Selling a junk car in Concord

Concord's rule and its carve-out

Concord's code enforcement officer may order removal after "finding in writing that the aesthetic benefits of removing the vehicle outweigh the burdens imposed on the private property owner." Section 30-71 defines a junked car as one lacking a current, lawfully shown plate that also meets the state's added tests.

Daily drivers get a pass: "Motor vehicles that are used on a regular basis for business or personal use are exempt from removal and disposal as junk vehicles." A car you drive for work or errands falls under that pass.

Zoning stacks another line on top. Under Section 58-256, cars "shall not be parked or stored on any residentially zoned lot without required current license plates other than in enclosed buildings."

Concord's 15-day certified letter

Section 30-76 gives more time than the seven days in several nearby codes. With an address on file, Concord mails the notice certified, asking that the car go "within 15 days from receipt of the notice." No address, or a refused letter, means a notice on the car itself, and the tow waits "no sooner than 15 days."

Section 30-77 drops the warning where quick action is needed. Its examples: "vehicles blocking or obstructing ingress or egress to businesses and residences," cars in a spot that poses "a traffic hazard," and "vehicles causing damage to public or private property."

On private land, Section 30-82 says Concord tows only on "a written request of the owner, occupant or lessee," apart from nuisances and cars already ordered out.

Reclaiming a Concord tow

Under Section 30-80, the owner settles the towing fee with storage, or posts "a bond for double the amount of such fees and charges," unless police hold the car as evidence. Section 30-85 forbids driving off from storage before that.

Concord titles and plates

Plate agencies, run for the state, handle North Carolina titles. We looked up one at 929 Concord Parkway S., Suite D, less than a mile east of central Concord in a straight line, and one at 3250 Wilkinson Blvd., Suite G, Charlotte, about 19 miles southwest.

A Concord seller's signature on the title needs a notary beside it. Junking a car whose title vanished? Complete Form MVR-4 marked JUNKED. That version skips the notary, still requires lien releases, and costs no title fee. Junk car with no title has detail.

Plates stay yours. Return them before dropping coverage when no other car will wear them; a prorated plate-fee refund can follow. Cabarrus and Mecklenburg are both on the state's emissions list. See car sitting for years.

Towns around Concord

Harrisburg and Kannapolis each sit about 6 miles out, Huntersville about 13, Charlotte about 17. Statewide rules: North Carolina.

Getting an offer

Use the form or ring (877) 421-6008. Mention model year and make, the model, odometer reading, whether it cranks, and if a title is on hand. You sell the whole car as it sits, and the truck collects it from a garage, carport or curb.