§ 24-443. Removal, storage, notice or reclaimer of abandoned vehicles.

(a)

Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to the removal, storage, notice, reclaimer or disposal of abandoned vehicles as defined in sections 24-439 through 24-441

(b)

Removal.

(1)

Any police officer who discovers any motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer or mobile home on any public street or highway or private or public property in the village which has been abandoned shall cause the vehicle to be removed to a suitable place of impoundment.

(2)

Upon removal of the vehicle, the police officer shall notify the chief of police or his designee of the abandonment and of the location of the impounded vehicle.

(3)

Upon causing the removal of the motor vehicle by a towing service, the officer shall, within 24 hours of ordering the removal, notify the towing service of the name and last-known address of the registered owner and all lienholders of record of the vehicle, unless the village has entered into a towing services agreement which requires the village to provide notice to such owner and lienholders of the towing.

(4)

The owner of any abandoned vehicle except a stolen vehicle is responsible for the abandonment and all costs of impounding and disposing of the vehicle. Costs not recovered from the sale of the vehicle may be recovered in a civil action by the village against the owner. Whether or not the village recovers the cost of towing and enforcement, the village shall be responsible to the towing service for requisitional towing service and reasonable charges for impoundment.

(Code 1989, § 10-5-3(a), (b))

State law reference

Similar provision, Wis. Stats. § 342.40(3)(a)(b).