Sec. 230A.
(1) A police officer who finds a motorcycle that does not have a visible vehicle identification number may seize the motorcycle to determine if the motorcycle is stolen or otherwise in violation of law.
(2) A police officer who seizes a motorcycle under subsection (1) shall do all of the following:
(a) Secure and transport the motorcycle in a manner and to a place that will protect it from damage.
(b) Determine, if possible, whether or not the motorcycle is stolen.
(c) If necessary, facilitate an examination of the motorcycle by a forensic laboratory specialist or other trained specialist to determine if the vehicle identification number can be restored or otherwise located.
(d) Unless otherwise required by law, return the motorcycle to the person from whom it was seized or to the lawful owner, within 30 calendar days after the date of the seizure.
(3) A police agency holding a motor vehicle unlawfully beyond the 30 calendar days prescribed in subsection (2) is liable for damages.
(4) A person may enforce the provisions of this section by filing a civil action in the district court that has jurisdiction of the place where the motorcycle was seized. The district court shall conduct a hearing on the action within 10 days from the date of the filing in a manner prescribed in the revised judicature act of 1961, 1961 PA 236, MCL 600.101 to 600.9948.
(5) A person who prevails in an action authorized under subsection (4) shall be awarded costs and actual attorney fees.
(6) As used in this section, "person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental entity, or other legal entity.
History: Add. 2000, Act 408, Eff. Mar. 28, 2001 Compiler's Notes: Section number “Sec. 230A.” at the beginning of this section evidently should read “Sec. 230a.”.
Structure Michigan Compiled Laws
Act 300 of 1949 - Michigan Vehicle Code (257.1 - 257.923)
Section 257.201 - Reference to “Division”.
Section 257.202 - Secretary of State as Exclusive State Agent.
Section 257.203 - Appointment of Employees.
Section 257.204b - Conviction of Attempted Violation; Effect.
Section 257.205a - Plan to Fully Reopen Secretary of State Branches; Written Report.
Section 257.208a - Availability of Records to the Public.
Section 257.208c - Disclosure of Personal Information; Uses.
Section 257.208d - Resale or Redisclosure of Personal Information; Duties of Recipient.
Section 257.212 - Notice; Methods.
Section 257.213 - Officers and Investigators; Powers.
Section 257.214 - Badge of Authority.
Section 257.217b - Moped; Manufacturer's Identification Number.
Section 257.217d - Special Congressional Medal of Honor Registration Plate.
Section 257.217e - Certificate of Title for School Bus; Condition to Issuance.
Section 257.217g - Pickup Camper; Manufacturer's Identification Number.
Section 257.217h - Liability of Motor Vehicle Manufacturer.
Section 257.217m, 257.217n - Repealed. 2006, Act 562, Eff. Jan. 1, 2007.
Section 257.217o - Repealed. 2012, Act 55, Eff. June 30, 2012.
Section 257.226a - Temporary Registration Plates or Markers.
Section 257.226a.amended - Temporary Registration Plates or Markers.
Section 257.226b - Temporary Registration; Duration; Form; Fee; Use of Vehicle.
Section 257.226c - Reflectorized Reflector Plates, Tabs, and Stickers.
Section 257.227b - Repealed. 2011, Act 92, Eff. Dec. 30, 2011.
Section 257.228 - Notification of Old and New Addresses; Violation as Civil Infraction.
Section 257.231 - Registration of Replacement Engines.
300-1949-II-TRANSFERS-OF-TITLE-OR-INTEREST - Transfers of Title or Interest (257.233...257.242a)
300-1949-II-PERMITS-TO-NONRESIDENT-OWNERS - Permits to Nonresident Owners (257.243...257.243)
300-1949-II-SPECIAL-ANTI-THEFT-LAWS - Special Anti-Theft Laws (257.252...257.254)