Local Pol’s Bill Has Junkyard Sale Regulation
A southern Queens lawmaker plans to propose legislation to close a Department of Motor Vehicles ((DMV) loophole that allows car thieves to sell older model vehicles to junkyards without having the title, it was announced on Monday, Oct. 27.
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder wants to turn the tide of recent increases in auto thefts by eliminating DMV Form MV- 35–intended for use as a transfer for a vehicle at least eight years old and worth less than $1,250 when the owner does not have the title available.
Goldfeder believes the DMV regulation has been taken advantage of by crooks that steal cars and then reap the profits at junkyards where the vehicles are sold, he said.
“A simple change in the law will ensure that we are not providing criminals with the tools to steal cars,” he said in a statement. “Closing this DMV loophole will help discourage car thefts in our community and make our families safer from crime.”
Citing one example of theft related to the form’s use, in March 2013, John Brew was charged by Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown for stealing 12 cars and selling them for scrap, it was noted.
“Our families should feel secure in their neighborhoods and should not be afraid of parking their cars on the street,” Goldfeder added. “Doing away with this one form will make our communities that much safer.”
Area civic groups support the measure as well.
“Unfortunately, the MV-35 form is being used as a license to commit crime,” Joann Ariola, president of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association said. “I commend Assemblyman Goldfeder for introducing legislation to protect people from being victims of car thefts.”
