Junk and inoperable cars in Everett

How Chapter 8.22 is built

The chapter's table of contents shows the path a case takes: definitions, abatement, "Violation citation—Issuance—Service," a hearing, a monetary penalty, a section on repeat violators, removal and liens, and a closing penalties section. It is a citation system, not just a notice to tidy up.

One kind of property is exempt: a vehicle "stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler or licensed vehicle dealer," on properly fenced land.

From notice to tow truck

Removal waits for the process. The trigger is notice "of the city's intent to dispose of the vehicle," followed by any appeal hearing under the city's hearing rules. Then the car "shall be removed at the request of a law enforcement officer and disposed of to a licensed motor vehicle wrecker or hulk hauler with notice to the Washington State Patrol and the Department."

Behind the word junk is the state definition. Certification takes three of four traits: the car is three years old at least, it is "extensively damaged," it shows no sign of running, and scrap is all it is worth.

The lien

This is the part that follows the owner. After removal, Everett "may file for record with the county auditor to claim a lien for the cost of removal and any and all outstanding fines and collection costs." The code models that lien on the state's mechanics' lien law. So the fines do not vanish when the car does.

Snohomish County title office

On DOL's quick title list, 3000 Rockefeller Ave sits about a mile northwest of central Everett as the crow flies. That is one Snohomish County office we checked, and there may be others.

If the title is missing, Washington needs it replaced or covered before a sale. The fix is DOL's loss-and-release affidavit, signed by each registered owner with a notary watching. Everett owners pay $39.50, then wait 4 to 8 weeks for the new title to be mailed. Selling with no title has the details.

Closing out the sale

Sign the title across and hand over a bill of sale; skip the bill only when the title shows both price and date. Everett sellers turn in the Vehicle Report of Sale no later than 5 days out. Filing online works even late at night: DOL processes it as soon as payment goes through, and that makes the sale legal. Keep the plates. Washington makes their removal the seller's job, and DOL points out that plates left behind can drag the car's future tickets and tolls back to you.

Getting an offer

Call (877) 421-6008 or go online. In Everett, our offer form takes just a minute to fill out. We drive out to it, be it a driveway, a downtown lot or a repair shop. Lake Stevens, Mukilteo and Mill Creek are all within 7 miles, and the Washington page covers state rules.