28-4882

28-4882. Junk vehicle; disposition

A. If a vehicle has been reported abandoned under section 28-4838, the person
making the report may request that the vehicle be processed as a junk vehicle. An agent
of the department shall inspect the vehicle to determine if the vehicle is a junk
vehicle.

B. On making a determination that the vehicle is a junk vehicle, the director shall
cause a search of department records to be made, or if a junk vehicle is registered in
another state, make inquiry of the vehicle registration agency in that state, to
ascertain the name and address of the owner and lienholder, if any, or any other person
identified on the department's record.

C. On receipt of information disclosing 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 give notice to all interested persons
of the director's intention to allow the disposition of the junk vehicle as prescribed by
this section. The director shall give the notice by mail within five days for a vehicle
with a record in this state or within thirty days for all other vehicles.

D. 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 who is
identified on the department's record and 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 intention of the director to allow the disposition of the junk
vehicle as prescribed by this article once in a newspaper of general circulation in the
county in which the junk vehicle was found. The published notice shall include a
statement that the department will make available to the public a complete vehicle
description of junk vehicles.

E. If the vehicle is unclaimed at the expiration of thirty days after the date
placed on the notification mailed by the department or within ten days of the publication
as provided in subsections C and D of this section, the director shall determine if the
vehicle is a stolen vehicle. On receiving notification that the vehicle has not been
reported stolen, the director shall issue written authorization to the owner of the
property authorizing the owner of the property or a licensed automotive recycler to
dispose of the junk vehicle pursuant to section 28-4883.