Selling a dead car in West Haven

How West Haven defines a junk car

Section 90.03 lists the conditions that make a car part of the problem: "flat tires; no tires; dismantled, broken, or missing windows, steering wheel, tail pipe, doors, fenders, bumper, hood, top, or trunk; does not run." A car that would fail a state safety inspection counts too, and so does one that has been wrecked or dismantled. Section 90.55 adds a car "without proper and current registration."

The cure is cover. Owners must move such cars "into completely-enclosed and secured buildings" or get rid of them. Restoration projects "need to be kept in a building such as a storage shed or garage." A tarp in the side yard doesn't count.

Notices, bills and citations

• Written notice. Under Section 90.04, the notice goes by hand to the owner or occupant, or by mail to the address on file with the County Recorder.
• The last notice. If nothing changes, the Code Enforcement Officer serves a "last attempt" notice along with a citation.
• Costs. If the city removes the nuisance, it mails an itemized bill demanding payment within 14 days. It can also pass the bill to the County Treasurer for the property tax notice.
• No warning required. The code says criminal charges don't depend on giving the owner a chance to fix the problem first.

Curbs and impound

Section 71.06 sets two clocks on public roads, streets, alleys and city property. A junked, wrecked or inoperative car can be impounded after "24, or more, consecutive hours." Any other car can be impounded after 48. Either way, the city's officer first makes a reasonable effort to find the owner, and the owner pays for the impound and removal. Section 71.11 releases a towed car only to the owner or a valid renter or lessee, and only after the impound and towing fees are paid. Towed or impounded covers your options.

Ogden title office

Weber County's counter that we checked is on Lincoln Avenue in Ogden (number 2447, phone 801-297-7780). It's around 4 miles east of central West Haven as the crow flies. Weber may have other offices.

Utah title points for this sale

Utah wants a title on every vehicle driven in the state, no matter how old. A car parked for years still needs one to change hands. Can't find it? Part two of TC-123 lets you sign the car over to the buyer directly. Ordering a duplicate for yourself instead costs $6.00. Weber tests emissions, so pass along any current emission certificate, pull the plates, and file the sold report. After you sell lists the steps.

Getting an offer

West Haven owners can ring (877) 421-6008, or send us the offer form instead. Our truck can reach it in a shed, a side yard or at the curb. Close by: Roy, Ogden and Clinton. Statewide rules are on Utah.