can you drive cars away from copart

[DiLukas]

Yes, you can drive a car away from Copart, but only under very specific conditions. The vast majority of vehicles sold by Copart are categorized with a salvage title, meaning they have been damaged and deemed a total loss by an insurance company. These cars are not legally drivable on public roads directly from the auction yard. They must be towed or transported on a flatbed truck. The exception is if a vehicle has a "clean title" and is listed in "running" condition, but you must confirm with the yard and have valid license plates, registration, and insurance to drive it legally.

Before you even think about driving a car away, your first step is to thoroughly review the vehicle's lot information. This details the title brand (salvage, rebuilt, clean) and the vehicle's condition. A car with a salvage title has not been repaired or inspected by state authorities. Driving it would be illegal and unsafe.

If you purchase a salvage vehicle, the process to make it road-legal is lengthy. You must:

1. Complete all necessary repairs to restore it to safe operating condition.
2. Pass a rigorous state inspection, often called a "salvage inspection" or "rebuilt inspection," conducted by authorities like the state police or DMV.
3. Obtain a "rebuilt" title from your state's DMV after passing the inspection.
4. Secure insurance and registration for the vehicle.

Attempting to drive a non-compliant car from Copart can result in fines, impoundment, and serious liability issues in an accident. The safe assumption is that you will need to arrange for transportation.

State	Typical Title Brands	Road Legal After Auction?	Key Requirement for Rebuilt Title
California	Salvage, Non-Repairable	No, must be towed	CHP Brake and Light Inspection, then DMV VIN verification
Texas	Salvage, Rebuilt	No, must be towed	Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection at an authorized facility
Florida	Salvage, Certificate of Destruction	No, must be towed	Proof of repairs, photos, and a state patrol inspection
New York	Salvage, Rebuilt	No, must be towed	Enhanced Vehicle Safety Inspection by DMV or designated agent
Arizona	Salvage, Junk	No, must be towed	Level I Inspection by MVD authorized third party

[SanBrynlee]

Practically speaking, no, you can't just drive off. I bought a project car from Copart last year. Even though it started, it was sold with a salvage title. That piece of paper means it's legally considered junk until you fix it and get it officially inspected. The yard guys won't even let you try to drive it out; they'll point you to the tow truck area. You budget for the car's price, then you budget for the tow. It's just part of the deal.

[MelanieLee]

It's all about the title status. Look for "Clean Title" in the listing. If it has that and the description says "Starts and Drives," then you might be able to drive it after you've officially bought it, have the paperwork, and your own license plate and insurance. But 90% of their inventory is salvage titles. Those are for parts or repair projects only, and driving one is a sure way to get pulled over and have it impounded.

[LeJustin]

The risk isn't worth it. Beyond the legal trouble, these cars are often damaged in ways that aren't obvious. A compromised frame or a weak airbag sensor could make the car dangerous to operate, even if it seems to drive fine across the parking lot. Copart's own terms usually state that vehicles are sold "as is" for parts or repair. Assuming it's drivable is a huge gamble with your safety and your wallet. Always plan on towing.

[AliviaDella]

As a first-time buyer, this is the most important thing to understand: the auction listing is your bible. Don't just look at the pictures; read the "Vehicle Details" section word for word. The "Title State" and "Title Brand" tell you everything. If you see "Salvage," "Junk," or "Parts Only," the conversation about driving it home is over. You need to arrange a tow truck or a transport trailer before you even bid. It's a non-negotiable part of buying a project car.