Selling a junk or inoperable car in Willoughby

Age and value don't matter here

Willoughby's zoning code applies its junk motor vehicle definition to any car, plated or not, “without regard to its age or value.” What counts is where and how long: “parked in any unenclosed area of any portion of a yard or lot, with or without the consent of the owner of the property, for a period of seventy-two hours or longer.” Then any one of these conditions completes it:

• it seems unable to run
• it could not be driven legally on public streets
• it is extensively damaged, dilapidated or disassembled

Section 521.11 allows two places for such a car: a completely enclosed building or garage, or an outside area approved as a conditional use under Section 1155.07(kk). Wear and tear counts the same as a missing license; a car that died of deterioration or damage is covered. Each violation is a minor misdemeanor. No notice period is written into the section.

Streets, snow and towing

• 48 hours. That is the most a car may sit on a Willoughby street before the code wants an explanation given to the Chief of Police. On someone else's residential land, without the owner's OK, an ordinary car gets four hours and an abandoned junk car 72.
• Snow. Under code Section 452.16, the Mayor may proclaim a snow emergency when snow, sleet, hail or ice collects on city streets, and while it lasts no car may park on any street. The city's street maintenance page goes further: “If more than three inches of snow fall, a state of emergency automatically goes into effect.” Police, Fire or the Director of Public Service can haul away cars left out, with removal, storage and fines billed to the owner.
• Wrecks. Officers may tow a car too damaged to run, or one left unattended where it blocks street cleaning or plowing.

Once a car is towed, Section 405.03 gives the owner three choices:

1. Pay the towing charge under the city's towing agreement, any outstanding Traffic Code fines, and the storage fee.
2. Post a cash bond in the amount Willoughby Municipal Court sets.
3. Ask for a probable cause hearing before the Municipal Court judge.

Police and fire dispatch answers around the clock at 440-951-1234. Police records is 440-953-4212, weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lake County title offices

Lake County's Clerk of Courts runs two title offices near Willoughby: 30188 Euclid Avenue in Wickliffe, about 3 miles southwest as the crow flies, and 8804 Mentor Ave. in Mentor, about 5 miles northeast.

Lake County is part of Ohio's E-Check program too. Ohio EPA says vehicles subject to the test “cannot receive their registration until they receive a passing test certificate, repair waiver certificate, or qualify for an applicable exemption or extension certificate,” and under Section 521.11 an unlicensed car belongs indoors.

Ohio makes the seller's signature on the title assignment a notarized one. Unscrew the plates before the car is hauled off; they remain yours under R.C. 4503.12.

Getting an offer

Phone (877) 421-6008 or begin online, and describe the car the way you'd describe it to a mechanic: what it is, how many miles, what stopped working, and who holds the title. If the title names someone else, such as a tenant or a relative, read a car titled to someone else first. Lake County's other title office is in Mentor.