Got a junk RV sitting around in Dallas? Whether it’s broken down, stripped for parts, or just too old to repair, leaving it parked on your property (or worse, on the street) could lead to trouble. Dallas has strict rules about inoperable and abandoned vehicles, and if you don’t follow the proper steps to dispose of or sell your junk RV in Dallas, you could face fines, towing, or code enforcement actions.
This guide walks you through what Dallas regulations require, how to dispose of your RV legally, and what paperwork and environmental steps you’ll need to cover before saying goodbye to that old rig.
Dallas Laws on Abandoned and Inoperable RVs
In Dallas, leaving a broken or junk RV on your property or on the street can quickly lead to trouble. City Code considers inoperable or dismantled vehicles—including RVs, trailers, and campers with expired registration—to be a public nuisance. If the vehicle is sitting on private property, Code Compliance will issue a notice to the owner. If the RV isn’t removed or repaired within the time given, the City has the authority to tow it and sell it for salvage.
For RVs left on public streets, enforcement falls under the Dallas Police Department. Any RV blocking the road or clearly abandoned can be reported through the City’s 311 system for investigation and removal. It’s also worth noting that Dallas law prohibits parking large RVs or trailers on residential streets. Specifically, vehicles weighing more than 1½ tons aren’t allowed to remain on residential public roads.
Texas state law backs this up by labeling old, heavily damaged vehicles as “abandoned nuisances” if they’re at least 10 years old and only fit to be scrapped. These can also be towed and impounded without the owner’s consent if they’re unclaimed. Altogether, this means that keeping a broken-down RV on your driveway or yard too long may result in fines, a code violation, or forced removal by the City. If your RV is no longer usable, it’s best to either fix it quickly or look into legal disposal options.
RV Disposal Documentation and Title Transfer
To legally dispose of a junk RV in Texas, you need the right documents. Usually, this means handing over the Certificate of Title when selling or giving the RV to a scrap yard or dismantler. If the title is lost, you’ll need to request a duplicate from the Texas DMV before moving forward.
If you don’t have the title or the RV is abandoned or severely damaged, you can apply for a Certificate of Authority using Form VTR-71-2. This lets you legally junk or crush the RV, even without a title. There’s a small $2 fee, and the DMV will contact any lienholders. If no one claims the vehicle within 20 days, you’re cleared to scrap it.
Important: You can’t legally recycle, scrap, or crush a junk RV without either a title or this DMV-issued certificate. The only exception is if the RV already has a salvage title—in that case, you can sign it over directly to the buyer or recycler.
Always keep a bill of sale or donation receipt and a copy of any DMV paperwork. These documents prove you’re no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Environmental Responsibilities
Disposing of a junk RV isn’t just about getting rid of it — it’s also about protecting the environment. RVs contain hazardous materials like engine oil, coolant, batteries, propane tanks, and refrigerants that can harm soil and water if not handled properly.
Before sending your RV to a recycler or junkyard, you (or a licensed facility) should:
- Drain all fluids — including fuel, oil, and coolant — into proper containers.
- Remove the battery and recycle it.
- Empty propane tanks safely through a certified propane dealer or recycling facility.
- Handle refrigerants (like those from air conditioners) professionally — these require special removal due to environmental laws.
Many of these materials count as household hazardous waste (HHW). If you’re in the Dallas area, you can drop off used oil, paint, pesticides, and other HHW for free at the Dallas County Home Chemical Collection Center at 11234 Plano Road.
Finally, when your RV reaches a licensed junkyard or recycler, they are required by Texas law to safely drain fluids and recycle metals in line with state environmental regulations.
Taking these steps ensures your RV doesn’t become an environmental hazard.
RV Towing and Storage Policies in Dallas
In Dallas, leaving a junk RV sitting out too long can lead to it being towed and even auctioned off. If the RV is on private property and appears inoperable, the City will send a certified notice asking the owner to remove it or prove that it still works. If no action is taken, the City—or a contractor working on their behalf—can legally tow the RV. In most cases, it will then be sold for parts or scrap at auction.
City rules also make it illegal to store a non-working RV out in the open. If your RV doesn’t run, it must be stored inside a garage or in an area that’s completely screened from public view.
On public streets, the Dallas Police Department is responsible for dealing with abandoned RVs. Parking a large RV or trailer on a residential street, especially if it’s broken down, is not allowed. These vehicles can be ticketed or towed. If an RV is causing an obstruction or clearly appears abandoned, residents can report it to Dallas 311 for investigation and removal.
To avoid fines, towing, or code enforcement issues, it’s important to move or properly dispose of any junk RVs as soon as possible.
Sell Your Junk RV Easily with HeyRV in Dallas
At HeyRV, we make it fast and stress-free to get cash for your junk RV, trailer, motorhome, or camper in Dallas, Texas.
We offer instant cash payments and free junk RV removal, so you don’t have to lift a finger. Once you accept our offer, we dispatch a tow truck to your location at no cost to you. And unlike private sales or scrapyards, we handle all the DMV paperwork, including title transfer. We pay cash for:
- RVs with salvage or rebuilt titles
- Units suffering flood or water damage
- Wrecked or collision-damaged motorhomes
- RVs with electrical issues
- RVs with blown engines
- Hail-damaged RVs
- Campers with mold, delamination, or interior decay
- RVs that are fire-damaged or have rodent infestation
- Old, non-running, or low-value models
If you’re ready to ditch that unwanted RV and walk away with cash in your pocket, contact HeyRV today. We’ll give you a fast, no-obligation quote—and if you accept, you’ll be one step closer to a clear driveway and a clean break.
HeyRV is a nationwide junk RV buyer, helping owners like you sell their old RVs from coast to coast. We pay cash for junk RVs in Texas, California, Arizona, Florida, Washington, Minnesota, and beyond!
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re dealing with city code violations, a missing title, or just want the easiest way to sell your RV for cash, this FAQ covers what you need to know. We’ve also included helpful info about how HeyRV makes the process fast, free, and hassle-free.
What happens if I leave a junk RV on my property in Dallas?
If your RV is inoperable, dismantled, or has expired tags, Code Compliance can issue a violation notice. If you don’t remove or repair it within the time given, the City can tow it away and charge you for the cost, or auction it for scrap.
Can the city tow my RV if it’s parked on the street?
Yes. Dallas Police handle vehicles left on public streets. If your RV is considered abandoned or blocking traffic, it can be towed without warning. Residential streets also have weight restrictions, so large RVs and trailers are not allowed to park there for extended periods.
What do I need to legally scrap or dispose of my RV in Dallas?
You’ll need the title. If you’ve lost it, you can request a duplicate or apply for a Certificate of Authority from the Texas DMV. Without one of these, most recyclers won’t accept the RV.
Do I have to remove hazardous materials from my RV before disposal?
Yes. Engine fluids, propane tanks, batteries, and refrigerants must be safely removed. Some junk RV buyers or licensed recyclers will do this for you, but if you’re handling it yourself, be sure to follow proper environmental procedures and local disposal options.
Is there an easy way to get rid of my junk RV in Dallas without paying for towing?
Yes. Junk RV buyers like HeyRV will pick up your junk RV for free, handle all the paperwork, and pay you cash, even if the RV is badly damaged or non-running.
How quickly do I get paid when I sell my junk RV in Dallas to HeyRV?
When you choose HeyRV in Dallas, you get paid on the spot. If you accept our offer, we will schedule free pickup at a convenient time for you and pay you fast via cash, check, or Venmo.
Will HeyRV buy my RV if it doesn’t have a title?
Yes, in many cases. HeyRV can help guide you through the title replacement process or work with alternate DMV paperwork depending on the condition and situation of the RV.
Is HeyRV only available in Dallas?
No, HeyRV operates nationwide. Whether you’re in Texas, California, Florida, or anywhere else, we buy junk RVs and offer free pickup across the U.S.
