(A) New car. When the identity of the registered owner or other person legally entitled to the possession 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 herein, or disposed of in the manner authorized by this chapter without notice to the registered owner or other person legally entitled to the possession of the vehicle.
(B) Old car. When an abandoned vehicle of more than seven years of age is impounded as specified by this chapter, it will be kept in custody for a minimum of ten days for the purpose of determining ownership, the contacting of the registered owner by the U.S. Mail, public service, or in person for a determination of disposition; and 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, the Sheriff will authorize the disposal of the vehicle as junk. An exception to the above is provided for if, in the opinion of the police officer processing the vehicle, it has a value of $200 or more and can be restored to safe operating condition. In this event, the agency may authorize its purchase as salvage and the Secretary of State may issue a salvage certificate if the vehicle is bonded in the manner as provided for certificates of title under ILCS Ch. 625, Act 5, § 3-100.
(C) Antique vehicle. A motor vehicle or other vehicle classified as an antique vehicle may, however, be sold to a person desiring to restore the vehicle.
(1994 Code, § 24-7-10)