SALVAGE LAWS PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
AREAS OF ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES REGULATION OF MOTORCYCLE,TRAILER,SALVAGE DEALERS, CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OF AUTO DEALERS, FUEL TAX COLLECTION& ENFORCEMENT, IDENTITY THEFT, AND OTHER FRAUD CRIMES INVOVLING THE DEPARTMENT.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Any person who sells 5 or more vehicle in 12 months must be licensed as a auto dealer.(Auto,motorcycle,trailer dealer) Any person who is in the business of dismantling autos for the purpose of selling used parts(salvage yards/junk yards) Any person who is in the business of repairing 2 or more salvage vehicles in 12 months(Rebuilder license)
License Continued Any person who engages in the business of removing old,abandon, or junk autos from private property( Vehicle removal operator) Any person who crushes, flattens, or other wise destroys an auto for the purpose of selling the scrap metal ( Demolisher license)
License Continued Any person who engages in the business of removing old,abandon, or junk autos from private property( Vehicle removal operator) Any person who crushes, flattens, or other wise destroys an auto for the purpose of selling the scrap metal ( Demolisher license)
Licensure Requirements Zoning approval from local government No zoning approval = NO LICENSE! Application with the appropriate fees Inspection of business by DMV
Auto Graveyards/Junkyard Any area that is exposed to the weather that contains 5 or more inoperable autos or other scrap metals. These areas must be fenced or screened by natural objects if opened after April 4, ,000 feet off primary road (Road Number 599 or less) or located in an industrial area. 500 feet off secondary roads or located in an industrial area. (Route number 600 &up)
Graveyards/junkyards continued Violation of this section is a criminal offense. Owner of property can be billed with the cost of clean up of the illegal graveyard/junkyard. VDOT also monitors these illegal graveyards/junkyards.
Mechanics/Storage Liens Notify owner/lien holder of auto within 3 business days that you have the vehicle. Must notify in writing return receipt requested within 7 days of towing to lien holder of record at DMV dollarsStorage lien not to exceed dollars. May sale 10 days after the due date of the bill for services. (30 days to pay +10= 40days)
Mechanic’s Liens Value of auto less than 5,000 dollars DMV can handle. 5,000 dollars to 15,000 General District Court Warrant in Debt for title 15,001dollars and above in value must file in Circuit Court If vehicle is damaged and claiming less value DMV Special Agent verifies the value.
DMV Title Process The storage lot must be located in VA. DMV Form VSA-41 must be completed and submitted for vehicle record. Vehicle must be sold at public auction if value is 1,001 and above.Auction must be posted in three locations 10 day prior to the auction.
Mechanics Liens Bill of Sale with VIN Number on original letterhead with purchaser’s name & address. A copy of the VSA-41 and the invoice with the amount of the lien must be provided to the purchaser by the seller. If court process was utilized attach the court order to sale the vehicle.