(a) For purposes of this section the following definitions shall apply:
"Altered registration" means temporary or permanent state vehicle registration displayed on a vehicle which has been changed, copied or otherwise manipulated without lawful authority.
"False registration" means temporary or permanent state vehicle registration which is false or invalid on its face, or which is used in a manner not authorized by the issuing jurisdiction, or any registration which is not recognized as valid by the Illinois Secretary of State.
"Stolen registration" means temporary or permanent state vehicle registration which, prior to the date of impoundment, is reported stolen by the owner to which it is registered, or by another authorized person or entity.
(b) No person shall operate or park on the public way any vehicle bearing a false registration, stolen registration or altered registration.
(c) A vehicle operated or parked bearing a false registration or stolen registration is subject to immediate impoundment. The owner of record of such vehicle subject to impoundment shall be liable to the City for an administrative penalty of $500 in addition to fees for towing and storage of the vehicle. Whenever a police officer has probable cause to believe that a vehicle is subject to seizure and impoundment pursuant to this subsection, the police officer shall provide for the towing of the vehicle to a facility controlled by the City or its agents. Before or at the time the vehicle is towed, the police officer shall notify the person who is found to be in control of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation or the person who is found to be in control of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation, if there is such person, of the fact of the seizure and of the vehicle owner's right to request a preliminary hearing to be conducted under Section 2-14-132 of this Code. If the vehicle is unattended, notice shall be sent to the owner of record of the vehicle, at the address indicated in the last valid registration of the vehicle by serving such person with a copy of the vehicle impoundment seizure report. Section 2-14-132 shall apply whenever a motor vehicle is seized and impounded pursuant to this section.
(d) The operator of a vehicle operated or parked bearing an altered registration shall be fined $500.
(Added Coun. J. 6-6-01, p. 60138, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 12-7-05, p. 64870, § 1.8; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 14596, Art. I, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 11951, Art. III, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 7-22-20, p. 18957, § 6)