(A) Unidentifiable vehicles. If the vehicle or parts are in such condition that vehicle identification numbers or other means of identification are not available to determine the owner or lienholder, the vehicle may be disposed of without notice.
(B) Vehicles valued at less than $500.
(1) If, in the opinion of the officer, the market value of the abandoned vehicle or parts is less than $500, the officer may release the vehicle or parts to the towing service employed to remove the vehicle or parts in lieu of towing and storage charges.
(2) In this event, the Police Department shall prepare and file the abandoned vehicle report and, upon notification by the Bureau of the identity of the vehicle’s owner or lienholder and address, the Department shall forward this information to the towing service.
(3) The towing service shall be solely responsible for giving the 15 days notice to the owner or lienholder required by § 95.064(B) of this chapter. If the owner or lienholder does not appear within 15 days after the mailing of notice, the towing service may dispose of the abandoned vehicle or parts and shall retain the proceeds of the disposition in lieu of towing charges and storage fees. The Department shall execute a bill of sale to the towing service for the vehicle or parts.
(C) Vehicles valued at more than $500. If, in the opinion of the officer, the market value of the abandoned vehicle or parts is greater than $500, the Department shall give notice as provided in § 95.064 of this chapter. If the owner or lienholder does not appear within 15 days after the mailing of the notice, the Department shall sell the vehicle or parts to the highest bidder at a public sale conducted after notice under I.C. 5-3-1-1 through 5-3-1-9, except only 1 newspaper insertion 1 week before the public sale is required. The Department may elect to sell the vehicle or parts as unclaimed property in accordance with I.C. 32-34-1.5, except that the 15-day period for the property to remain unclaimed is sufficient. The purchaser shall be furnished a bill of sale for each abandoned vehicle sold by the Department. The fee for the bill of sale shall be $6.
(1979 Code, § 95.30) (Ord. 3488, passed 10-17-1983)
Statutory reference:
Disposal of vehicle without notice; public sales, see I.C. 9-22-1-21