28-4841

28-4841. Abandoned vehicle; notice of intent
to transfer vehicle

A. On receipt of a report as required by this chapter the director shall determine
the name and address of the owner and lienholder, if any, or any other person identified
on the department's record by either:

1. Searching the department records.

2. Asking the vehicle registration agency of another state if the vehicle is
registered in that state.

B. On receipt of information from reports pursuant to section 28-4838 or 28-4839
and after determining the name and address of the owner and lienholder, if any, or any
other person identified on the department's record who may have an interest in the
vehicle, the director shall notify all interested persons by mail within five days for a
vehicle with a record in this state or within thirty days for all other vehicles. The
director shall make the notice on a form prescribed by the director. The notice shall
include:

1. A complete description of the vehicle.

2. A notice of intent to transfer ownership of the vehicle to the person in
possession of the vehicle if within thirty days from the date placed on the notification
by the department the owner or lienholder or a person who has an interest in the vehicle
does not notify the department of the owner's, lienholder's or person's interest in the
vehicle or claim the vehicle.

3. The vehicle identification number.

4. The place and date the vehicle was found, seized or taken into possession.

5. The storage location of the vehicle.

6. A statement that the owner is liable to the department for the amounts provided
in section 28-4802 if the vehicle was abandoned and removed pursuant to section 28-4802
and that the cost will be collected if the owner subsequently registers another vehicle
in this state or subsequently applies for or renews a driver license issued by this
state.

C. If the records of the department or out of state jurisdiction do not disclose
the name and address of the owner and lienholder, if any, or any other person identified
on the department's record who may have an interest in the vehicle, or if the notice is
returned marked unclaimed or addressee unknown, the department shall publish the notice
of the intent of the director to transfer ownership of abandoned vehicles pursuant to
this chapter once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the
vehicle was found or seized. The published notice shall include a statement of the intent
of the director to transfer ownership of abandoned vehicles after ten days of the
published notice and that the department will make available to the public a complete
vehicle description of abandoned vehicles subject to transfer of ownership.

D. A person who has filed a report of an abandoned vehicle pursuant to section
28-4838, 28-4839 or 28-4840 shall notify the director within twenty-four hours and in the
manner prescribed by the director if the vehicle is released or returned to or redeemed
or repossessed by the lawful owner or lienholder, if any, or any other person who is
identified on the department's record and who may have an interest in the vehicle.