(A) If, in the opinion of the officer, the market value of an abandoned vehicle or parts determined under § 74.12(B) is less than $500, the officer shall immediately dispose of the vehicle to an automobile scrapyard. A copy of the abandoned vehicle report and photographs relating to the abandoned vehicle shall be forwarded to the State Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The town or towing agency disposing of the vehicle shall retain the original records and photographs for at least two years.
(B) If, in the opinion of the officer, the market value of the abandoned vehicle or parts determined under § 74.12(B) is at least $500, the officer, before placing a notice tag on the vehicle or parts, shall make a reasonable effort to ascertain the person who owns the vehicle or parts, or who may be in control of the vehicle or parts. After 72 hours, the officer shall require the vehicle or parts to be towed to a storage area.
(C) If a vehicle or parts are in such a condition that vehicle identification numbers or other means of identification are not available to determine the person who owns or holds a lien on the vehicle, the vehicle may be disposed of without notice.
(D) Abandoned vehicle report.
(1) Within 72 hours after removal of an abandoned vehicle to a storage area under this section, the town or towing agency shall prepare and forward to the State Bureau an abandoned vehicle report containing a description of the vehicle, including the following information concerning the vehicle:
(a) The make.
(b) The model.
(c) The engine number, if any.
(d) The identification number.
(e) The number of the license plate.
(2) The town or towing agency shall request that the Bureau advise as to the name and most recent address of the person who owns or holds a lien on the vehicle.
(Ord. 2000-08, passed 8-7-00)