For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words and derivations shall have the meanings given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future tense, words in the plural number include the singular number, and words in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory. Words used throughout this chapter, but not defined herein or in chapter 1, article A of this title, shall have their plain, ordinary and common meaning. Words in any gender shall apply to the feminine, masculine and neuter genders.
ABANDONED: A vehicle left on private property without permission of the persons with possessory interest, or on a highway or other property open to the public for purposes of vehicular traffic or parking, or upon or within the right-of- way of any highway, for twenty four (24) hours or longer.
FIRE LANE: An area on public or private property reserved for providing Fire Department access to structures, firefighting fixtures or equipment, and clearly marked with such designation.
GVWR: Gross vehicle weight rating or maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle, to include all fuel and other liquids, passengers, cargo and the tongue of any towed vehicle.
JUNKED: Vehicles that are extensively damaged, to include, but not limited to, broken windows and/or windshield or missing parts integral to physical operation of the vehicle, such as tires, motor or transmission; vehicles that pose a safety risk, such as those with leaking fluids; and vehicles that otherwise cannot be legally driven on the roadway in the condition in which they are found.
LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL: Employees of a law enforcement agency, to include civilians as well as sworn officers.
NONCONSENT TOWING: Removal of a vehicle from public or private property by the use of a tow truck without the consent of the vehicle owner, driver or agent of the vehicle owner.
OEM: Original equipment manufacturer.
VIN: Vehicle identification number, consisting of numbers and letters, placed on a vehicle by the manufacturer for the purpose of identifying the vehicle. (1952 Code § 10-23-01; amd. 2019 Code)