CHAPTER 7
ABANDONED, INOPERABLE VEHICLES

SECTION:

3-7-1: Definitions

3-7-2: Inoperable Vehicles

3-7-3: Abandonment Of Vehicles Prohibited

3-7-4: Notice Of Possible Towing; Hearing

3-7-5: Notice To Police Of Abandoned, Lost Or Other Vehicle

3-7-6: Authority To Tow; Responsibility For Costs

3-7-7: Reclamation Of Towed Vehicle

3-7-8: Newer Vehicles

3-7-9: Older Vehicles

3-7-10: Recordkeeping

3-7-11: Disposition Of Revenues

3-7-12: Nonliability Of City Or Towing Service

3-7-13: Penalty

3-7-1: DEFINITIONS:

For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:

ABANDONED VEHICLE: Any motor vehicle or other vehicle in a state of disrepair rendering the vehicle incapable of being driven in its condition.

HIGHWAY: Any street, alley, or public way within the city of Athens.

INOPERABLE VEHICLE: Any motor vehicle or other vehicle incapable of or prohibited from being driven on any highway due to disrepair or disuse. Any vehicle not displaying valid registration plates or proper evidence of application therefor will be presumed to be inoperable for purposes of this chapter. (Ord. 03-99, 4-12-1999; amd. Ord. 06-2014, 7-14-2014)

3-7-2: INOPERABLE VEHICLES:

   A.   No person shall leave any inoperable vehicle, or parts thereof, for fourteen (14) consecutive days or more in any area, public or private, in view of the public or outside any building. Any person in violation of this subsection shall be fined not less than seventy five dollars ($75.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each violation. Each day such violation is committed or permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable hereunder as such. (Ord. 03-99, 4-12-1999; amd. 2017 Code)

   B.   An inoperable vehicle which has no readily ascertainable owner or bailee will be presumed an "abandoned vehicle", as defined in section 3-7-1 of this chapter, for the purposes of this chapter. (Ord. 03-99, 4-12-1999)

3-7-3: ABANDONMENT OF VEHICLES PROHIBITED:

   A.   Highways: The abandonment of a motor vehicle or other vehicle or any part thereof on any highway in the city is unlawful and subject to penalties as set forth herein.

   B.   Property Other Than Highways:

      1.   The abandonment of a motor vehicle or other vehicle, or any part thereof, on private or public property, other than a highway, in view of the general public, anywhere in the city is unlawful except on the property of the owner or bailee of such abandoned vehicle. (Ord. 03-99, 4-12-1999)

      2.   A motor vehicle or other vehicle, not properly licensed or registered, or any part thereof, so abandoned on private property may be authorized for removal by or upon the order of the chief of police. If such vehicle is properly licensed and registered, then such vehicle cannot be towed until notice and an opportunity for hearing can be accorded to the owner pursuant to section 3-7-4 of this chapter. (Ord. 03-99, 4-12-1999; amd. 2017 Code)