Upon seizure and impoundment, the law enforcement officer shall provide notice as directed under this section.
(A) Initial notice. At the time the vehicle is towed, the officer shall notify, or make a reasonable attempt to notify, the registered owner, lessee, or person identifying himself or herself as the owner or lessee of the vehicle, or any person who is found to be in control of the vehicle at the time of the alleged offense, of the fact of the seizure, and of the registered owner’s or lessee’s right to an administrative hearing.
(1) Any notice under this section shall be in writing, and said notice shall indicate that the vehicle will remain impounded pending the completion of an administrative hearing, unless the registered owner, lessee, or a lienholder of record posts with the Chief of Police, or his or her designee, a bond equal to the administrative penalty and hearing officer fee, as provided by ordinance, and pays for all towing and storage charges.
(2) The notice shall inform the recipient of the right to an administrative hearing, and shall provide instructions on the exercise of that right.
(B) Owner is passenger or driver. If a registered owner or lessee is found to be a passenger or driver of any vehicle seized under this chapter, then he or she shall be personally served with written notice under this section.
(C) Owner is not passenger or driver. If no registered owner or lessee is found to be a passenger or driver of any vehicle seized under this chapter, then the written notice shall be served on the registered owner or lessee, either by personal service or by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the address as registered with the Secretary of State;
(1) All notices shall be served upon the registered owner or lessee within five days after a vehicle is seized and impounded; and
(2) The notice shall indicate that the vehicle will remain impounded pending the completion of an administrative hearing, unless the registered owner, lessee, or a lienholder of record posts with the Chief of Police, or his or her designee, a bond equal to the administrative penalty and hearing officer fee as provided by ordinance, and pays for all towing and storage charges.
(Ord. 1548, passed 10-3-16)