Effective: July 1, 2007
Latest Legislation: House Bill 241 - 126th General Assembly
(A) A law enforcement officer may seize and take possession of a vehicle or vehicle part if the officer has probable cause to believe that any vehicle identification number or derivative thereof on the vehicle or part has been removed, defaced, covered, altered, or destroyed in such a manner that the identity of the vehicle or part cannot be determined by visual examination of the number at the site where the manufacturer placed the number. The seizure shall be pursuant to a warrant, unless the circumstances are within one of the exceptions to the warrant requirement that have been established by the supreme court of the United States or of the supreme court of this state.
(B) A vehicle or vehicle part seized under division (A) of this section shall be held in custody pursuant to section 2981.11 of the Revised Code or any applicable municipal ordinance.
(C) A law enforcement officer who acts in good faith in the belief that the seizure of a vehicle or vehicle part is justified under division (A) of this section is immune from any civil or criminal liability for such seizure.
(D) The lawful owner of a vehicle or vehicle part seized under this section that is not needed as evidence and is not subject to forfeiture under division (D)(2) of section 4549.62 of the Revised Code may reclaim the property by submitting satisfactory proof of ownership to the law enforcement agency or court holding the property.
Structure Ohio Revised Code
Title 45 | Motor Vehicles-Aeronautics-Watercraft
Chapter 4549 | Motor Vehicle Crimes
Section 4549.01 | Stopping Motor Vehicle When Signaled by Horse-Drawn Vehicle or Horse Rider.
Section 4549.02 | Stopping After Accident on Public Roads or Highways.
Section 4549.021 | Stopping After Accident on Other Than Public Roads or Highways.
Section 4549.042 | Sale or Possession of Master Key Designed to Fit More Than One Motor Vehicle.
Section 4549.05 | Removing Ignition Key Left in Ignition Switch.
Section 4549.08 | Fictitious License Plates or Identification Number or Mark.
Section 4549.081 | Rules for Electronic Clearance Devices.
Section 4549.10 | Operating Manufacturer Vehicle Without Placard.
Section 4549.11 | Operating With Number of Former Owner.
Section 4549.12 | Resident Operating With Number Issued by Foreign State.
Section 4549.13 | Marking and Equipment for Motor Vehicle Used by Traffic Enforcement Officers.
Section 4549.14 | Incompetency of Officer as Witness.
Section 4549.15 | Distinctive Uniform for Traffic Officers.
Section 4549.16 | Arresting Officer as Witness.
Section 4549.18 | Certificate of Registration of Commercial Vehicles.
Section 4549.19 | Enforcement of Proceedings Against Violators.
Section 4549.20 | Improper Replacement of Motor Vehicle Air Bag.
Section 4549.41 | Odometer Rollback and Disclosure Act Definitions.
Section 4549.42 | Tampering With or Disconnection of Odometers.
Section 4549.43 | Sale or Use of Fraudulent Odometer.
Section 4549.44 | Operating With Disconnected or Nonfunctional Odometer.
Section 4549.45 | Written Notice of Tampering or Nonfunction.
Section 4549.451 | Auctioneer's Statement of Disconnected or Nonfunctional Odometer.
Section 4549.46 | Written Odometer Disclosure Statement.
Section 4549.47 | Attorney General Investigations.
Section 4549.48 | Injunctions.
Section 4549.49 | Liability to Transferee Subsequent to Violation.
Section 4549.50 | Revocation or Denial of License or Permit as Motor Vehicle Dealer.
Section 4549.52 | Criminal Action to Enforce Odometer Violations.
Section 4549.61 | Tampering With Identifying Numbers Definitions.
Section 4549.62 | Offenses With Purpose to Conceal or Destroy Identity.