§ 71.09 IMPOUNDMENT OF VEHICLES FOR FAILURE TO PAY CIVIL INFRACTIONS OR PARKING VIOLATION NOTICES ISSUED UNDER THIS CHAPTER.
   (A)   If a vehicle is unattended and the registered owner of the vehicle has six or more unpaid and outstanding civil infraction violations or parking violation notices, in any combination, all of which have been issued for a violation of Chapter 71 of the City Code, any police officer or other authorized city employee may cause that vehicle to be immediately impounded. There shall be no impoundment under this section from any private property.
   (B)   The owner or operator of any vehicle which has been impounded under this section may obtain release of the vehicle by either of the following:
      (1)   By paying the total amount due on all outstanding civil infraction citations and/or parking violation notices and by paying the fees then being charged for towing and storage of the vehicle; or
      (2)   By posting a bond to cover all of the costs assessed against the vehicle in division (1) above and requesting a hearing.
   (C)   All payments under this section shall be made to the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety during regular business hours.
   (D)   The registered owner of a vehicle shall have the rights afforded by state law to contest the civil infraction citations or parking violations notices through either an informal hearing before a District Court Magistrate or a formal hearing before a District Court Judge. Any bond required for release of a vehicle pursuant to this section shall not exceed the sum of $500.
(Ord. 812-04-24, passed 4-1-24)