What to Do If a Car Is Scrapped Illegally as Scrap Metal?
2 Answers
There are three risks associated with scrapping a car illegally as scrap metal: 1. Inability to process license plates: After the vehicle's scrapping period expires, the vehicle's records remain undeleted, occupying national license plate resources. In cities with personal license plate restrictions, it becomes impossible to process new license plates when purchasing a new car. 2. Legal liability: If the vehicle is scrapped or sold privately without proper deregistration of its information, and the license plate is stolen by another vehicle or involved in hit-and-run accidents, illegal road use, etc., the owner may face legal liabilities if unable to prove innocence when investigated by authorities, potentially leading to compensation disputes. 3. Safety hazards: Illegally scrapped vehicles may be dismantled by unauthorized entities for parts resale or use, leading to old car parts entering the market and posing significant safety risks. Therefore, it is essential to follow regulations and complete the vehicle scrapping procedures promptly to avoid unnecessary troubles.
I recently disposed of an old scrapped car, and the whole process went fairly smoothly. First, you need to confirm that the car is beyond repair or roadworthy, otherwise selling it might not be cost-effective. Before dismantling, I removed valuable parts like the battery, tires, and certain metal components, which can be sold separately for some cash. Then, I contacted nearby scrap recycling centers or specialized car recycling businesses. They came to assess the weight and type of the car, with scrap metal prices calculated by the ton—currently ranging from a few hundred to around a thousand yuan per ton. Make sure to have proper documentation to avoid trouble. The recycling center I used required the vehicle registration certificate to confirm the scrapped status. Finally, the car was towed away, and I received some cash. The whole process took a few days, but it’s better than letting the car sit idle. Afterward, I’d recommend regular maintenance to extend a car’s lifespan, but when it reaches the end, dispose of it decisively. My neighbor’s car was even older, and he dismantled it more thoroughly, selling even the internal parts for better returns.
