Oak Harbor nuisance vehicles, and selling one whole

What Chapter 10.28 bans

The chapter's stated aim is to clear "junk vehicles from private and public property" so the city's neighborhoods and parks keep their character. It casts a wider net than the state's junk definition. It is unlawful to "permit the storage or abandonment of any junk vehicle, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle or automobile hulk or part thereof on any property," apart from the chapter's own exceptions. Loose parts are covered as well: storing them "on any property is declared to be a public nuisance."

So wreck damage is not required. A half-stripped project car, or an inoperative commuter parked beside the house, is under the same rule.

Notice, hearing and the bill

First, "the chief of police, or his/her designee, shall cause notice to be delivered or sent" to the last registered owner and the landowner. If a hearing is asked for and the car is ruled junk, the chief can have it hauled off by order.

The passage we read sets no day count for that notice. Washington's own fallback runs 15 days: after mailing notice to the registered and legal owners, a landowner waits out that stretch with no claim before getting rid of an abandoned junk car.

The money side follows the registration. In Oak Harbor the tow and impound bill goes to "the last registered owner of the nuisance vehicle," unless that owner finished the state's transfer steps when selling. In that case the landowner may get the bill. On top of the city's penalty, Washington law has the registered owner of an abandoned junk vehicle pay restitution at double the removal cost.

Coupeville and the paperwork

One office we checked for Island County is at 1 NE 7th St in Coupeville, around 6 miles southwest of central Oak Harbor in a straight line. Washington titles go through county auditors and subagent counters for the Department of Licensing.

Your part is short. Release your interest on the Oak Harbor car's title. For an Oak Harbor sale, you and the buyer sign a bill of sale, or the price and date go on the title. Next, an Oak Harbor seller tells DOL about the sale within 5 days. Washington's notary step is for the buyer's title application, not for you.

Unscrew the plates

Plates leave with you, and the buyer is barred from using them. DOL explains why: left on a sold car, they can drag you into the next driver's tow bills, parking citations, camera tickets and tolls. Oak Harbor sellers can move them to a future car of that kind or return them. After you sell covers the rest.

Getting an offer

Phone (877) 421-6008 or use the form for an Oak Harbor offer. A driver heads out to the car, near the marina or on a back road outside town. Mount Vernon sits 16.8 miles away in a straight line. The Washington page has the rules for the whole state.