(a) A motor vehicle towed pursuant to this article shall be immediately released to a claimant upon the production of a government issued photo identification and at least one of the following:
(1) A valid certificate of title in the claimant's name.
(2) Proof of current vehicle registration in the claimant's name, not including a restricted use three (3) day permit.
(3) A repossession affidavit, a hold harmless liability release from legal claims, and, if applicable, a proof of lien on the vehicle.
(4) An insurance company release pursuant to A.R.S. § 28-4847.
(5) A certified motor vehicle record.
(6) Proof of a bona fide security interest or other financial interest in the vehicle that exists at the time of the tow.
(7) A notarized letter by the vehicle owner allowing the claimant to retrieve the vehicle on the owner's behalf.
(b) A person in possession of a motor vehicle towed without the vehicle owner's permission shall assist a claimant, by retrieving ownership documents, including any of the documentation listed in subsection (a) above from the towed motor vehicle or by accompanying them while they retrieve documents from a towed motor vehicle, without charge.
(c) A person in possession of a motor vehicle towed without the vehicle owner's permission shall allow a claimant, with valid proof of ownership or authorization, immediate access to the towed motor vehicle, upon request, to assess the vehicle's condition and to retrieve personal property, without charge.
(d) A person in possession of a motor vehicle towed without the vehicle owner's permission may require a claimant:
(1) To provide a current address and phone number for billing.
(2) To sign an invoice for the motor vehicle claimed. However, the invoice shall only contain the following:
(A) The letterhead, name, and address of the towing carrier;
(B) The name and address of the claimant;
(C) The date and time when the motor vehicle was claimed;
(D) A description, including the license number, of the claimed motor vehicle; and
(E) A statement of the unpaid balance, if any.
(e) A person in possession of a motor vehicle towed without the vehicle owner's permission shall provide the claimant with information regarding billing and collection procedures. This information shall not contain any promissory note language.
(f) A person in possession of a motor vehicle towed without the vehicle owner's permission shall accept cash and credit and debit card payments for all fees. No person in possession of a motor vehicle towed without the vehicle owner's permission shall require exact change to release the vehicle.
(g) No person shall release any motor vehicle after having been advised by any law enforcement agency that the vehicle has been reported as stolen unless otherwise advised by law enforcement.
(Ord. No. 12055, § 1, 11-14-23)