A. 
After a vehicle has been impounded as provided in this title and the owner or authorized representative of the owner of the vehicle claims the vehicle, the owner or representative shall be informed of the nature and circumstances causing the impoundment of such vehicle and to obtain release thereof shall pay all towing and storage fees.
B. 
If the operator or owner of the vehicle is found not guilty of the violation with which the person is charged, by a judge or other officer of competent jurisdiction, the impounded vehicle shall be released immediately to the owner without collection of fees or other charges.
C. 
A vehicle is declared to be impounded when an authorized person, pursuant to and under authority of this title, requests dispatch of a tow truck to effect the impoundment. A person whose vehicle has been impounded may obtain the release of the impounded vehicle, if towing has not commenced, by paying the tow contractor the tariffed or contract rate as provided for cancelled trips, provided that such impoundment is one where the owner is entitled to release of the vehicle. This section has no effect on a citation, ticket or complaint that may be issued in connection with the impoundment.
D. 
If a vehicle is impounded under section 9.52.010, police shall use all due diligence in determining whether or not such variance or alteration in numbering, as set forth in section 9.52.010A, is unlawful. If such variance or alteration of numbers is found not to be unlawful, the vehicle shall be released forthwith to its registered owner.
(CAC 9.50.010; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 82-186(S); AIM 33-83; AO No. 2011-113(S), § 161, 11-22-2011, eff. 12-22-2011)
A. 
Mailing of notice. When a vehicle has been impounded for violations of this title, the chief of police or a designated agent shall send a notice by certified mail to both the legal and registered owner of the vehicle, if different persons, when the name of the owner can be ascertained by checking the records of the state department of public safety. The notice shall accurately describe the vehicle and any property therein, give the date the vehicle was impounded and state that, unless the vehicle is reclaimed within 40 days from the date of mailing of the notice, or unless arrangements are made for the storage of the vehicle within that time, the vehicle and contents will be sold at public auction to satisfy the costs against the vehicle.
B. 
Posting of notice. If the owner or lienholders cannot be determined as provided for in subsection A of this section, notice of the sale of the vehicle, accurately describing the vehicle and contents therein, the date of impoundment, and the time and place where the sale is to be held shall be posted in at least three public places within five miles of the place where the sale is to be held, and one of the notices shall be posted at the post office nearest the place where the sale is to take place. The notice shall also state that, unless the vehicle is reclaimed within 40 days from date of posting of the notice, or unless arrangements are made for storage of the vehicle, the vehicle and its contents will be sold at public auction to satisfy the costs against the vehicle.
C. 
Publication of notice. No less than 20 days after the date of mailing or posting of the notice, the chief of police shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality a description of the vehicle, and the name of the owner, if known, and such publication shall state the fact that the vehicles described will be sold at public auction to the highest responsible bidder at a public sale by the municipal purchasing officer, who shall issue and execute a certificate of sale for the vehicle sold.
D. 
Records. The chief of police shall keep a record of all vehicles impounded, containing the date of impounding, a description of the vehicle and the contents therein, the cause for which impounded, the date of redemption if redeemed, the amount paid upon redemption, the date of notice to the owner or lienholders if known, the notice of sale, the record of sale, the price paid at sale and the name of the purchaser.
(CAC 9.50.020; AO No. 78-72; AO No. 2011-113(S), § 162, 11-22-2011, eff. 12-22-2011)