(a) When the identity of the registered owner, lienholder or other persons legally entitled to the possession of an abandoned, lost or unclaimed vehicle that is seven years old or newer cannot be determined by the means provided for in this chapter, the vehicle may be sold or disposed of in the manner authorized by this chapter without notice to the registered owner, lienholder or other person legally entitled to the possession of the vehicle.
(b) When an abandoned vehicle that is more than seven years old is impounded as specified by this chapter, it shall be kept in custody for a minimum of ten days for the purpose of determining the identity of the registered owner, lienholder or other legally entitled persons and contacting the registered owner, lienholder or other legally entitled persons by U.S. Mail, public service or in person for a determination of disposition; and for the purpose of an examination of the State Police stolen motor vehicle files for theft and wanted information. At the expiration of the ten day period, without the benefit of disposition information being received from the registered owner, lienholder or other legally entitled persons, the Chief of Police shall authorize the disposal of the vehicle as junk or salvage.
(c) A vehicle classified as an antique vehicle, custom vehicle or street rod, as defined by Section 1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (65 ILCS 5/1-100, et seq.), may, however, be sold to a person desiring to restore it.
(Ord. 1970-2. Passed 6-22-70; Ord. 2011-32. Passed 7-11-11.)