(A) After an abandoned vehicle has been taken into custody, notice shall be provided to the owner indicating:
(1) The location of the vehicle;
(2) That a lien has arisen on the vehicle in favor of the person who towed the vehicle;
(3) That the vehicle may be sold at public auction to satisfy the lien; and
(4) That a hearing on the validity of the tow and on the creation and amount of the lien may be held, if requested.
(B) Notice is considered given when a certified letter addressed to the registered owner of the vehicle and a similar letter addressed to the legal owner, if any, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, is mailed within 24 hours after the vehicle is taken into possession by or at the direction of a law enforcement officer.
(C) If the vehicle is registered in the office of the Motor Vehicles Division, notice may be addressed to the registered owner and the legal owner, if any, at the latest respective address of each shown by Motor Vehicles Division records. If the vehicle is not registered, reasonable efforts shall be made to ascertain the names and addresses of the legal owner and persons entitled to possession of the vehicle so that notice may be mailed, if reasonably possible, within the time period outlined in this section.
(D) If a hearing is desired, the owner must request a hearing within 5 days after receipt of the notice. The request may be made in person or in writing, and failure to appear in person or to mail a letter within 5 days after receipt of the notice shall act as a waiver of the right to a hearing.
(Ord. 40.01, passed 1-8-1991)