Car Sales Banned on Los Feliz Streets

Car owners who try to sell their vehicles on Los Feliz Boulevard or Franklin Avenue will find themselves paying monetary fines thanks to a new city ordinance aimed at eliminating the de facto used car lots of the Los Feliz neighborhood.

Councilman LaBonge at a news conference announcing the new city law.

It is now illegal to park cars and trucks for the purpose of selling them on Los Feliz Boulevard between the Golden State (5) Freeway and Western Avenue and on Franklin Avenue between Hillhurst and Western avenues.

“I would rather people buy everything in L.A. but I don’t want a car lot on Los Feliz,” said City Councilman Tom LaBonge at a morning news conference.

The new law replaces one that was struck down by the courts more than a decade ago. The ordinance was made possible now thanks to a change in the state vehicle code, which allows allow municipalities to regulate private car sales in nuisance areas.

LaBonge, moments after unveiling the new street sign.

Enforcement of the new law will start tomorrow. The first violation is punishable with a $100 fine. For the second and third offenses, the fines increase to $250 then $500. Scofflaws could also see their cars towed away and impounded.

“We’re taking the profit margin away,” said City Attorney Carmen Trutanich.

The prohibition could be expanded to other parts of the city if residents can document similar public safety or quality of life issues.