(A) If the Commissioner finds or is notified of a vehicle believed to be abandoned, and after a reasonable investigation conducted by the Commissioner determines that the subject vehicle is an abandoned vehicles, then the Commissioner shall attach in a prominent place on the abandoned vehicle a notice tag containing the following information:
(1) The date, time, Commissioner's name, town's name, and address and telephone number to contact for information;
(2) The vehicle is considered an abandoned vehicle;
(3) The abandoned vehicle will be removed after:
(a) Twenty-four hours, if the abandoned vehicle is located on or within the right-of-way of an interstate highway or any highway that is designated as part of the state highway system under IC 8-23-4; or
(b) Seventy-two hours for any other abandoned vehicle.
(4) The person who owns the abandoned vehicle or parts will be held responsible for all costs incidental to the removal, storage and disposal of the abandoned vehicle.
(5) The person who owns the abandoned vehicle may avoid costs by removal of the abandoned vehicle within:
(a) Twenty-four hours, if the abandoned vehicle is located on or within the right-of-way of an interstate highway or any highway that is designated as part of the state highway system under IC 8-23-4; or
(b) Seventy-two hours for any other abandoned vehicle.
(B) The Commissioner, before placing a notice tag on the abandoned vehicle shall:
(1) Make a reasonable effort to ascertain the person who owns the abandoned vehicle or who may be in control of the abandoned vehicle;
(2) Prepare a written abandoned vehicle report of the abandoned vehicle, including information on the condition, missing parts, and other facts that might substantiate the estimated market value of the abandoned vehicle;
(3) Take photographs of the abandoned vehicle to describe the condition of the abandoned vehicle.
(Ord. 2011-16, passed 9-26-11)