§ 74.02 AUTHORIZATION FOR TOWING.

   (A)   Generally.

      (1)   The towing of vehicles by the municipality, or by its approved towing service operators on behalf of the municipality, shall be authorized only by the Police Department and only under the circumstances provided in this chapter.

      (2)   Towed vehicles shall be impounded at facilities designated by the Police Department until lawfully claimed or disposed of pursuant to the Illinois Vehicle Code.

   (B)   Towing without notice; immediate tows.

      (1)   A hazardous or unlawful vehicle may be towed without prior notice, unless the vehicle is an unlawful vehicle which has been reported as stolen and is not towable for some other specific reason, in which case the owner should, when practical, be notified by telephone or other means and given the opportunity to claim or move the vehicle in order to avoid incurring the expenses of a police-ordered tow. However, the vehicle may be towed if the owner permitted the tow to be made when the vehicle was reported stolen, or at any time thereafter, on the form provided in § 74.10 below.

      (2)   Within 24 hours after towing a vehicle pursuant to this chapter, a notice shall be sent or personally delivered to the owner of the vehicle, thereby affording the owner the opportunity for a hearing as provided for in §§ 74.05 and 74.06.

   (C)   Towing with prior notice; abandoned vehicles. Abandoned vehicles may be towed after the mailing or delivery of prior notice and after affording an opportunity for a hearing as provided for in §§ 74.03 and 74.04 below.

(2000 Code, § 10.36.020)