For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED VEHICLE.
(1) A motor vehicle, as defined in M.S. § 169.01 as it may be amended from time to time, that:
(a) Has remained illegally:
1. For a period of more than 48 hours on any property owned or controlled by a unit of government, or more than four hours on that property when it is properly posted; or
2. On private property for a period of time, as determined under § 90.18(B), without the consent of the person in control of the property; and
(b) Lacks vital component parts or is in an inoperable condition that it has no substantial potential for further use consistent with its usual functions, unless it is kept in an enclosed garage or storage building.
(2) A classic car or pioneer car, as defined in M.S. § 168.10 as it may be amended from time to time, is not considered an abandoned vehicle.
(3) Vehicles on the premises of junk yards and automobile graveyards that are defined, maintained, and licensed in accordance with M.S. § 161.242 as it may be amended from time to time, or that are licensed and maintained in accordance with local laws and zoning regulations, are not considered abandoned vehicles.
(4) A vehicle being held for storage by agreement or being held under police authority or pursuant to a writ or court order is not considered abandoned, nor may it be processed as abandoned while the police hold, writ or court order is in effect.
DEPARTMENT. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
IMPOUND. To take and hold a vehicle in legal custody. There are two types of impounds: public and nonpublic.
IMPOUND LOT OPERATOR or OPERATOR. A person who engages in impounding or storing, usually temporarily, unauthorized or abandoned vehicles. OPERATOR includes an operator of a public or nonpublic impound lot, regardless of whether tow truck service is provided.
JUNK VEHICLE. A vehicle that:
(1) Is three years old or older;
(2) Is extensively damaged, with the damage including things as broken or missing wheels, motor, drive train or transmission;
(3) Is apparently inoperable;
(4) Does not have a valid, current registration plate; and
(5) Has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.
MOTOR VEHICLE or VEHICLE. Has the meaning given “motor vehicle” in M.S. § 169.01, as it may be amended from time to time.
MOTOR VEHICLE WASTE. Solid waste and liquid wastes derived in the operation of or in the recycling of a motor vehicle, including such things as tires and used motor oil, but excluding scrap metal.
MPCA or AGENCY. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
NONPUBLIC IMPOUND LOT. An impound lot that is not a public impound lot.
UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLE. A vehicle that is subject to removal and impoundment pursuant to § 90.18(B), or M.S. § 169.041 as it may be amended from time to time, but is not a junk vehicle or an abandoned vehicle.
UNIT OF GOVERNMENT. Includes a state department or agency, a special purpose district, and a county, statutory or home rule charter city, or town.
VITAL COMPONENT PARTS. Those parts of a motor vehicle that are essential to the mechanical functioning of the vehicle, including such things as the motor, drive train and wheels.