For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE. Any properly licensed motor vehicle capable of being operated, which has been left on a public right-of-way or other public place for a period of five days or more, and upon which has been placed a notice by the Hancock City Police. After the five-day period, the vehicle would be deemed to be abandoned, unless moved within a 48-hour period following the posting of said notice. An unregistered vehicle on premises not owned or occupied by the person having possession of said vehicle may also be deemed to be abandoned.
INOPERABLE MOTOR VEHICLE. Any motor vehicle which is currently not capable of being started and safely and properly operated on the highway, and which does not bear a valid and current license plate.
JUNKED, INOPERABLE, or ABANDONED VEHICLE. A motor vehicle that includes MAJOR PARTS as defined in this section.
JUNKED MOTOR VEHICLE. A motor vehicle that has been so damaged or dismantled as to be a total loss.
MAJOR PARTS. All parts or accessories without which a motor vehicle is unable to be operated in a safe manner.
OWNER. Any person, firm or corporation whose name appears on the certificate of title of the motor vehicle in question.
PERSON HAVING POSSESSION. Any person, firm or corporation having legal possession of the motor vehicle in question, but who is not the legal owner as determined by the certificate of title of said vehicle.
PREMISES. Includes any real property, whether public or private.
PUBLIC PROPERTY. Includes any real property owned or under the jurisdiction of any public corporation of the state.
TOTAL LOSS. In this chapter the term shall mean the cost to repair a damaged or dismantled motor vehicle in order to restore it to a condition required by the state to allow the same to be driven upon a public right-of-way, exceeds the fair market value for such vehicle. For the purpose of determining fair market value, any recognized national appraisal book may be used.
VEHICLE LEGALLY or PHYSICALLY INCAPABLE OF BEING OPERATED. Includes any vehicle which is not currently registered by any state, or which lacks the equipment as required by the state, making it possible for the vehicle to be driven upon a public right-of-way.
(Ord. 168, passed 9-19-84)