(A) Any abandoned, hazardous or junked vehicle which has been ordered removed may, as directed by the proper authorizing official of the village, be removed to a storage garage or area by the tow truck operator or towing business contracting to perform such services for the village. Whenever such a vehicle is removed, the authorizing village official shall immediately notify the last known registered owner of the vehicle, such notice to include the following:
(1) A description of the vehicle;
(2) The place where the vehicle is stored;
(3) The violation with which the owner is charged, if any;
(4) The procedure the owner must follow to have the vehicle returned to him or her; and
(5) The procedure the owner must follow to request a probable cause hearing on the towing.
(B) The village shall attempt to give notice to the vehicle owner by telephone; however, whether or not the owner is reached by telephone, written notice, including the information set forth in divisions (A)(1) through (A)(5) above, shall also be mailed to the registered owner's last known address, unless the notice is waived in writing by the vehicle owner or his or her agent.
(C) If the vehicle is registered in North Carolina, notice shall be given within 24 hours. If the vehicle is not registered in the state, notice shall be given to the registered owner within 72 hours of the removal of the vehicle.
(D) Whenever an abandoned, hazardous or junked motor vehicle is removed and such vehicle has no valid registration or registration plates, the authorizing village official shall make reasonable efforts, including checking the vehicle identification number to determine the last known registered owner of the vehicle and to notify him or her of the information set forth in divisions (A)(1) through (A)(5) above.
(Ord. 2021-04, passed 3-8-21)