Selling a Springfield car that no longer runs

The notice and the 10 days

Once the city code enforcement officer serves written notice, the owner or occupant has "ten (10) days after service of such notice" to remove it. If it stays, the code enforcement department "is authorized and directed to clear and remove the same," and files a statement of the cost with the city recorder for collection. A fine under the code's general penalty clause can follow.

Mobile home parks get a stricter line. Appendix A-512 says: "No inoperative, or unlicensed vehicle, nor uncontained junk, trash or other debris shall be permitted within a mobile home park." There is no 30-day window in that sentence.

Downtown and street limits

Section 7-102 bars leaving a vehicle on any public street or alley "for more than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours without the prior approval of the chief of police."

Downtown is tighter. From 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day, Section 15-506 sets a two-hour limit on street spaces along Main Street from 4th Avenue to 9th Avenue, stretches of 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Avenues and Locust Street, and West Courthouse Square. Handicap spaces are exempt. A car that quits in one of those spots has a very short window.

Under Section 15-604, police may impound an unattended car parked so that it blocks or endangers traffic. It stays stored until the owner "gives satisfactory evidence of ownership or right to possession, and pays all applicable fees and costs." Our towed or impounded guide covers what comes next.

Titling a Robertson County car

The county clerk issues Tennessee titles. The Springfield buyer takes ID, proof of where they live and the odometer disclosure to the Robertson County clerk to title it. You sign and print on the back with the same name the front shows. No notary is needed. When the car goes as a gift or for a low price, Tennessee uses an Affidavit of Non-Dealer Transfers.

You keep the plate. In Tennessee it is tied to you, and putting it on another vehicle is $1. After you sell lists what else to wrap up.

Getting an offer

Reach us online or at (877) 421-6008. Call or use the form for your Springfield car. Our truck loads from a Springfield yard, a mobile home park, or a shop in Hendersonville, 19.8 miles away. Statewide rules are on the Tennessee page.