Selling a junk or derelict car in Rock Hill

Derelict, junked and junk

Section 17-1 uses three different words:

• Derelict vehicle: a car, boat or trailer that cannot legally run on a public road, because of an expired or removed plate or because major parts are missing.
• Junked vehicle: one "whose major parts have been removed, which is inoperable, wrecked or in a state of disrepair," or that the city manager deems a nuisance or health hazard.
• Junk: rusted, wrecked or dismantled furniture, appliances, machinery and the like.

Reading the notice

A notice from the city lists the property address, the alleged violation, the date it was discovered, and "the date by which any corrective action must be taken to prevent a criminal summons from being issued." That last date is the one to circle.

One delivery method the code allows is certified mail, return receipt requested, together with a copy posted in a conspicuous place at the property. Done that way, it takes effect "Three days after mailing." The clock can start before you sign for the letter.

Rock Hill street rules

• Express zones. Section 18-224 allows 15 minutes in a designated express space, and a car left there one hour or longer "will be subject to tow."
• Trailers, RVs and big rigs at night. Section 18-176 keeps any vehicle with more than four wheels, and any RV, boat, trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer, off public streets from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. The fine is $25. A dead project car sitting on a trailer out front falls under it.

State clocks on top

Statewide law layers more timing on. Two days, 48 hours, left alone by a highway makes a car abandoned, and parking it a week on someone's land without their okay does the same. Officers may stick a colored tag on it first. After a tow, both the wrecker and the storage yard must mail the registered owner of record, plus any lender, by certified or registered post.

The SCDMV branch on Hands Mill Road

Among SCDMV offices, we checked the Hands Mill Road branch (305 Hands Mill Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732; 803-329-6332). In a straight line, it is about 6 miles northwest of central Rock Hill. York County may have more.

On the title's first assignment, list the buyer and their address, any lien holder, odometer miles, sale amount and date; you and the buyer both sign. Next comes Form 416, by mail or at a counter. Hang on to the tag. SCDMV rules stop a plate from changing hands to someone else when the original holder's name is missing from the title. Move the Rock Hill plate to your other car, or send it in with Form 452 and drop the policy.

No title in hand? SCDMV charges $15 for a copy, and walk-in customers can pay $20 more to have it expedited. See junk car with no title.

Getting an offer

Use the form or (877) 421-6008. Start your Rock Hill offer with a short note on the form. We offer free pickup anywhere in the US, so Rock Hill cars get it at a Main Street curb, a driveway or a garage. Fort Mill is about 6.5 miles away; for the state's rules, see South Carolina.