Within 15 days after seizure, if the peace officer does not hold the vehicle for evidence or if the Department does not refer the matter in writing for institution of forfeiture proceedings by the City Attorney or District Attorney, the peace officer or Department shall comply with any notice to withhold issued to the city with respect to the vehicle by the Franchise Tax Board. If no notice to withhold has been issued with respect to the vehicle by the Franchise Tax Board, the peace officer or the Department shall return the vehicle to the registered owner. Alternatively, the city may return the vehicle to the registered lienholder upon the lienholder’s filing of a hold harmless agreement on behalf of the city. The hold harmless agreement shall be acceptable to the Department and the City Attorney.
(Ord. 1218, passed 11-19-03)