Junkyard Law and Legal Definition
An establishment or place of business which is maintained, operated, or used for storing, keeping, buying, or selling old or scrap copper, brass, rope, rags, batteries, paper trash, rubber debris, waste or junked, dismantled or wrecked automobiles, or parts thereof, iron, steel, and other old or scrap ferrous or nonferrous material or for the maintenance or operation of an automobile graveyard.
Under the law of some states, which vary by state, these enterprises must obtain a permit to operate from either the town or county in which they are located. Different towns and counties regulate them differently. These laws aim to avoid environmental risks posed by pollution from oil, chemicals, tires, and other materials. Local laws also seek to license lawful junkyards to regulate the unlawful accumulation of salvage vehicles and miscellaneous junk on other properties.
The following is an example of a Federal Statute defining the term Junkyard:
According to 49 USCS ' 30501 [Title 49. Transportation; Subtitle VI. Motor Vehicle and Driver Programs; Part A. General; Chapter 305. National Motor Vehicle Title Information System], junk yard means an individual or entity engaged in the business of acquiring or owning junk automobiles for--
(A) resale in their entirety or as spare parts; or
(B) rebuilding, restoration, or crushing.
