Subdivision 1. Sale after 15 days. An impounded vehicle is eligible for disposal or sale under section 168B.08, 15 days after notice to the owner, if the vehicle is determined to be:

(1) a junk vehicle, except that it may have a valid, current registration plate and still be eligible for disposal or sale under this subdivision; or

(2) an abandoned vehicle.

Subd. 1a. Sale 15 days after notice by certified mail. An unauthorized vehicle impounded by the city of Minneapolis or by the city of St. Paul is eligible for disposal or sale under section 168B.08, 15 days after notice is sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the registered owner, if any, of the unauthorized vehicle and to all readily identifiable lienholders of record. If, before the expiration of the 15-day period following notice of taking, the registered owner or lienholder of record delivers to the impound lot operator a written statement of intent to reclaim the vehicle, the vehicle is not eligible for disposal or sale until 45 days after the notice of taking, if the owner or lienholder has not reclaimed under section 168B.07. Notwithstanding section 168B.06, subdivision 3, a second notice shall not be required.

Subd. 2. Sale after 45 days or title transfer. (a) If an unauthorized vehicle is impounded, other than by the city of Minneapolis or the city of St. Paul, the impounded vehicle is eligible for disposal or sale under section 168B.08, the earlier of:

(1) 45 days after notice to the owner; or

(2) the date of a voluntary written title transfer by the registered owner to the impound lot operator.

(b) A voluntary written title transfer constitutes a waiver by the registered owner of any right, title, and interest in the vehicle.

History: 1995 c 137 s 3; 1997 c 108 s 1,2; 2008 c 350 art 1 s 19