(a) For the purposes of this section, “impounding” means taking possession of a vehicle and securing it in a lot designated by the Chief of Police including any lot owned by the City of Mount Vernon and controlled by the Mount Vernon Police Department.
(Ord. 2020-22. Passed 7-27-20.)
(b) Police officers are authorized to provide for the removal and impounding of a vehicle, or the placement of a device designed to immobilize a vehicle, under the following circumstances:
(1) When any vehicle is left unattended upon any street, bridge or causeway and is so illegally parked so as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to the normal movement of traffic, or so as to unreasonably interfere with street cleaning or snow removal operations.
(3) When any vehicle has been stolen or operated without consent of the owner.
(4) When any vehicle displays illegal license plates or fails to display the current lawfully required license plates.
(5) When any vehicle has been used in, or connected with, the commission of a felony.
(6) When any vehicle has been damaged or wrecked so as to be inoperable or violates equipment provisions of this Traffic Code whereby its continued operation would constitute a condition hazardous to life, limb or property.
(7) When any vehicle is left unattended due to the removal of an ill, injured or arrested operator.
(8) When any vehicle has been operated by any person who has failed to stop in case of an accident or collision.
(9) When any vehicle has been operated by any person who is driving without a lawful license or while his license has been suspended or revoked.
(10) When any vehicle is found for which fifty dollars ($50.00), or more, in unpaid parking fines have accumulated and the owner has failed to respond to such parking fines as lawfully required.
(11) Upon issuance of a court order stating such vehicle is to be impounded or immobilized.
(12) When any vehicle is found to have been left on private property in violation of Section 359.02.
(14) When any vehicle is found to be parked on a public street, or upon the City's right-of-way and is obstructing the completion of a public utilities project. The City shall be responsible for any towing and storage fees if the vehicle in question is legally parked.
(15) Any vehicle found to be illegally parked and is an obstruction to City services (Fire lane, etc.)
(16) Any vehicle taken into evidence as part of a criminal investigation.
(c) The Police Department shall attempt to notify the registered owner of a vehicle once the vehicle has been impounded or immobilized. If the vehicle has been immobilized, an explanation of the reason for the immobilization, and the procedure for the removal of the device, shall be attached to the vehicle. Any person desiring to redeem an impounded or immobilized vehicle shall furnish satisfactory evidence of identity and ownership or right to possession. Prior to release of the vehicle, the claimant shall either pay the amount due for any fines for violations on account of which such vehicle was impounded or immobilized, or, as the court may require, post a bond in an amount set by the court, to appear to answer such violations. The Police Department shall release such vehicle, as soon as practicable, upon payment of all towing charges, storage charges, and all parking fines owed. Vehicles impounded as evidence pursuant to subsection (b)(16) hereof shall be returned to the owner of record without charge for storage unless forfeited by court order. Vehicle forfeitures shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 2981 of the Ohio Revised Code.
(d) The City assumes no liability for loss or damage to any vehicle while it is immobilized.
(e) All moneys paid as a result of the impounding, and subsequent release, of any vehicle shall be paid as follows:
(1) Money received for parking fines shall be paid into the Parking Fund.
(2) Money received for towing and storage fees shall be paid into the General Fund.
(f) If a motor vehicle impounded pursuant to subsection (b) remains unclaimed by the owner after thirty days, the vehicle shall be disposed of pursuant to Section 359.04.
(Ord. 2014-07. Passed 5-12-14.)