(A) Purpose. The purpose this section is to protect the life, public safety, health and general welfare of the citizens of the county, and shall be construed in such a manner to effectuate this purpose.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BUREAU. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
CERTIFICATE OF TITLE. The title document for a motor vehicle issued by the state in which it is registered, describing the vehicle by type, engine number and vehicle identification number, as well the name and address of the registered owner and the lienholder (financial institution that loaned money to buy the vehicle).
DEALER. A business that has been in business for no less than five years and has sold no less than 150 motor vehicles during the preceding calendar year.
INSPECTION. The investigation of a motor vehicle by a police officer to determine the vehicles vehicle identification number, year, make and model.
MOTOR VEHICLE. A vehicle that is self-propelled. The term does not include a farm tractor, an implement of agriculture designed to be operated primarily in a farm field or on farm premises, or an electric personal assistive mobility device.
POLICE OFFICER. Any law enforcement officer of the Owen County Sheriff’s Department.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. A vehicle with or without motive power equipped exclusively for living quarters for persons traveling upon the highways.
REGISTERED IMPORTER. A person that is registered as an importer with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; a licensed dealer currently in good standing with the state; and a validated member of the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) administered by the United States Customs and Border Protection.
(C) Authorization. This section is enacted pursuant to the provisions of I.C. 36-1-2 et seq.
(D) Exceptions. This section does not apply to the following:
(1) A new motor vehicle or recreational vehicle sold by a dealer licensed by the state;
(2) A motor vehicle or recreational vehicle transferred or assigned on a certificate of title issued by the Bureau;
(3) A motor vehicle that is registered under the International Registration Plan;
(4) A vehicle that is titled in the name of a financial institution, lending institution, or insurance company in Canada and imported by a registered importer, if the registered importer provides:
(a) A copy of the registered importer’s validation agreement issued by the United States customs and border protection;
(b) A copy of the entry summary issued by the United States customs and border protection (CBP form 7501); and
(c) A vehicle history report issued by an independent provider of vehicle history information that includes the vehicle’s title information, odometer readings, and number of owners.
(5) A vehicle that is titled in another state and is in the lawful possession of a financial institution, a lending institution, an insurance company, a vehicle rental company, a vehicle leasing company, or a lessee of a vehicle leasing company if the financial institution, lending institution, insurance company, vehicle rental company, vehicle leasing company, or lessee of a vehicle leasing company:
(a) Provides a vehicle history report issued by an independent provider of vehicle history information that includes the vehicle’s:
1. Title information;
2. Odometer readings; and
3. Number of owners.
(b) Maintains a copy of all documentation required under this subsection for at least ten years.
(6) A vehicle that is purchased in another state and titled in Indiana by a vehicle rental company or a vehicle leasing company if the vehicle rental company or vehicle leasing company:
(a) Provides a vehicle history report issued by an independent provider of vehicle history information that includes the vehicle’s:
1. Title information;
2. Odometer readings; and
3. Number of owners.
(b) Maintains a copy of all documentation required under this subsection for at least ten years.
(E) Inspections. An application for a certificate of title for a motor vehicle or recreational vehicle may not be accepted by the Bureau unless the motor vehicle or recreational vehicle has been inspected by a police officer. Any inspections made by a police officer shall have a record of inspection upon the application form prepared by the Bureau and must verify the facts set out in the application.
(F) Fees.
(1) A person or entity requesting an inspection must pay a fee of $5 directly to the County Sheriff’s Department for each inspection performed by the police officer. Upon payment, the Sheriff’s Department shall issue a receipt for the fee.
(2) Revenue derived from each inspection shall be remitted to the County Auditor once each month, on the monthly report of collections (County Form No. 362) and the County Auditor shall receipt said funds into a fund known as the Special Vehicle Inspection Fund. The County Council may appropriate money from this fund for use in connection with law enforcement purposes.
(BC Ord. 2011-21, passed 9-7-2011)