(a) Whenever an abandoned, lost, stolen or unclaimed motor vehicle or other vehicle, seven years of age or newer, remains unclaimed by the registered owner or other person legally entitled to its possession for a period of thirty days after notice has been given as provided in this chapter, the Police Department shall cause it to be sold at public auction to a person licensed as an automotive parts recycler, rebuilder or scrap processer under Chapter 5 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/5-100, et seq.). Notice of the time and place of the sale shall be posted in a conspicuous place, for at least ten days prior to the sale, on the premises where the vehicle has been impounded. At least ten days prior to the sale, the Police Department shall cause a notice of the time and place of the sale to be sent by certified mail to the registered owner, lienholder or other persons known by the Police Department or towing service to be legally entitled to the possession of the vehicle. Such notice shall contain a complete description of the vehicle to be sold and what steps must be taken to reclaim the vehicle.
(b) If an abandoned, lost, stolen or unclaimed vehicle displays dealer plates, notice under this section shall be sent to both the dealer and the registered owner, lienholder or other legally entitled persons.
(c) In those instances where the certified notification specified in this section has been returned to the Police Department by the postal authorities because the addressee has moved or because the addressee is unknown at the address obtained from the registration records of the State, the sending of a second certified notice shall not be required.
(Ord. 1970-2. Passed 6-22-70; Ord. 2011-32. Passed 7-11-11.)