(A) New car. When the identity of the registered owner, lienholder or other person legally entitled persons of an abandoned, lost or unclaimed vehicle of seven years of age or newer cannot be determined by any means provided for in this chapter, the vehicle may be sold as provided for in § 73.08 without notice to any person whose identity cannot be determined.
(B) Old car.
(1) When an abandoned vehicle of more than seven years of age is impounded as specified by this chapter, or when any such vehicle is towed at the request or with the consent of the owner or operator and is subsequently abandoned, it will be kept in custody or storage 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 the U.S. mail, public service or in person for a determination of disposition; and an examination of the state police stolen vehicle files for theft and wanted information.
(2) 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 vehicle may be disposed of in either of the following ways:
(a) The law enforcement agency having jurisdiction will authorize the disposal of the vehicle as junk or salvage; or
(b) The towing service may sell the vehicle in the manner provided in § 73.08, provided that the section shall not apply to vehicles towed by order or authorization of a law enforcement agency.
(C) Antique vehicle. A vehicle classified as an antique vehicle, custom vehicle or street rod may, however, be sold to a person desiring to restore it.
(625 ILCS 5/4-209) (2009 Code, § 23-7-9)