(A) The town may have vehicles removed under this chapter by private towing operators. Any abandoned, junked or hazardous vehicle that has been ordered removed may be removed to a storage area by the tow truck operator or towing business contracting to perform those services for the town.
(B) Whenever a vehicle is removed, the authorizing official shall immediately notify the last-known registered owner of the vehicle. The notice shall include the following information:
(1) The description of the removed vehicle;
(2) The location where the vehicle is stored;
(3) The violation with which the owner is charged, if any;
(4) The procedure the owner must follow to redeem the vehicle; and
(5) The procedure the owner must follow to request a probable-cause hearing.
(C) If the vehicle is registered in this state, notice shall be given within 24 hours from removal of the vehicle. Otherwise, notice shall be given to the registered owner within 72 hours from removal of the vehicle. This notice shall, if feasible, be given by telephone. Regardless of whether the owner is reached by phone, notice shall be sent to the owner at his or her last-known address unless he or she, or his or her agent, waives this notice in writing.
(D) Whenever an abandoned, junked or hazardous vehicle is removed and the vehicle has no valid registration or registration plate, the authorizing official shall make reasonable efforts, including checking the vehicle identification number, to determine the last-known registered owner and to notify the owner of the information listed in division (B) above.
(Ord. passed 1-9-2024)