(A) Definition. For the purpose of this chapter, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
INOPERABLE MOTOR VEHICLE.
(1) Shall mean any motor vehicle from which, for a period of seven days or more, the engine, wheels, or other parts have been removed, or on which the engine, wheels or other parts have been altered, damaged, or otherwise so treated that the vehicle is incapable of being driven under its own motor power. “Inoperable motor vehicle” Shall not include:
(a) a motor vehicle which has been rendered temporarily incapable of being driven under its own power in order to perform ordinary service or repair operations;
(b) any motor vehicle that is kept within a building when not in use, nor an operable historic vehicle over 25 years of age;
(c) a motor vehicle on the premise of a place of business engaged in the wrecking or junking of motor vehicles; or
(2) Any motor vehicle that cannot be lawfully operated on the streets and highways of the
state, to include but not limited to the lack of valid and current vehicle registration, license plates, and insurance.
(B) Leaving of wrecked, non-operating vehicles on street. No person shall leave any partially dismantled, non-operating, wrecked, or junked vehicle on any street or highway in the city.
(C) Inoperable vehicles declared to be a nuisance. Inoperable motor vehicles, as defined herein, whether on public or private property, are hereby declared to be a nuisance.
(D) Written notice. All persons are required to dispose of any inoperable motor vehicles under their control upon written notice received from the City Council or from the Chief of Police or any member of the police department designated by him commanding such disposition of said inoperable motor vehicle.
(E) Impoundment. The Chief of Police or any member of the police department designated by him is hereby authorized to remove or have removed an inoperable vehicle as defined herein. Such vehicle shall be impounded until lawfully claimed or disposed of in accordance with §§ 77.03 through 77.09. The Chief of Police or a member of the police department designated by him may enter upon private property at all reasonable hours for the purpose of inspecting such vehicle, posting notice thereon, and removing and impounding such vehicle, and it shall be unlawful for any person to prevent the Chief of Police or his designee from entering on private property for purposes of carrying out his duties hereunder or to interfere with him in the lawful performance of his duties under the provisions of this section.
Penalty, see § 77.99
Statutory reference:
Authority to declare inoperable motor vehicles as nuisance, see ILCS Ch. 65, Act 5, § 11-40-3
Authority to impound hazardous dilapidated motor vehicles, see ILCS Ch. 65, Act 5, § 11-40-3.1