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 forty-eight (48) hours on any property owned or controlled by a unit of government, or more than four (4) hours on that property when it is properly posted; or
2. On private property for a period of time, as determined under M.S. § 168B.04, subd. 2, as it may be amended from time to time, without the consent of the person in control of the property; and
(b) Lacks vital component parts or is in an inoperable condition such that it has no substantial potential for further use consistent with its ususal 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.
JUNKED VEHICLE. A vehicle that:
(1) Is extensively damaged, with the damage including such things as broken or missing wheels, motor, drive train, or transmission;
(2) Is apparently inoperable;
(3) Does not have a valid, current registration plate; and
(4) Has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.
MOTOR VEHICLE. Every vehicle which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires. MOTOR VEHICLE does not include an electric personal assistive mobility device or a vehicle moved solely by human power.
VEHICLE. Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
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.
(1969 Code, § 176A.010) (Ord. 222, passed 10-3-1989
; Am. Ord. 376, passed 1-20-2009)