(a) Police officers are authorized to provide for the removal and impounding of a vehicle and/or placement of an automobile immobilization device under the following circumstances:
(1) Whenever any vehicle is found parked in a space where parking is not permitted, is parked illegally or is in a parking meter space beyond the maximum legal time;
(2) When any vehicle or abandoned junk motor vehicle, as defined in Ohio R.C. § 4513.63, is left on private property for more than 72 consecutive hours without the permission of the person having the right to the possession of the property, or on a public street or other property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking, or upon or within the right-of-way of any road or highway, for 48 consecutive hours or longer, without notification to the Police Chief of the reasons for leaving such vehicle in such place. Prior to disposal of an “abandoned junk motor vehicle”, as defined in Ohio R.C. 4513.63, it shall be photographed by a law enforcement officer;
(3) When any vehicle has been stolen or operated without the consent of the owner;
(4) When any vehicle displays illegal license plates or fails to display the current lawfully required license plates;
(5) When any vehicle has been used in or connected with the commission of a felony;
(6) When any vehicle has been damaged or wrecked so as to be inoperable or violates equipment provisions of this Traffic Code whereby its continued operation would constitute a condition hazardous to life, limb or property;
(7) When any vehicle is left unattended due to the removal of an ill, injured or arrested operator;
(8) When any vehicle has been operated by any person who has failed to stop in case of an accident or collision;
(9) When any vehicle has been operated by any person who is driving without a lawful license or while his or her license has been suspended or revoked; and
(10) When any vehicle is found which has been the subject of previously unpaid parking violations.
(b) The use of privately owned and operated towing vehicles under the direction of a member of the Police Department for this purpose is hereby authorized.
(Ord. 7364, passed 12-18-1979)