§ 39-12.1-5. Special procedure regarding certain abandoned vehicles.
(a) If an abandoned, abandoned and of no value, or unattended vehicle, as defined in § 39-12.1-2, is at least ten (10) years old or less than ten (10) years old and has an altered vehicle identification number; has not been registered within one year; has no established fair market value; and would not pass a safety inspection pursuant to chapter 38 of title 31, a certificated tower shall not be required to comply with the provisions of § 39-12.1-4.
(b) If a police department takes possession or orders the removal of a vehicle that meets the requirements of this section, the police department shall request that the state police conduct a computer search to determine if the vehicle is a stolen vehicle. The police department shall remove the vehicle identification number from the vehicle and shall maintain a record of all numbers removed from vehicles for a period of two (2) years.
(c) A police department that complies with the provisions of this section may dispose of the vehicle in accordance with the provisions of § 39-12.1-9 five (5) days after the removal of the vehicle identification number.
History of Section.P.L. 1994, ch. 328, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 114; P.L. 2020, ch. 79, art. 1, § 6.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 39 - Public Utilities and Carriers
Chapter 39-12.1 - The Towing Storage Act
Section 39-12.1-1. - Declaration of purpose and policy.
Section 39-12.1-2. - Definitions.
Section 39-12.1-3. - Removal of abandoned, abandoned and of no value, and unattended vehicles.
Section 39-12.1-5. - Special procedure regarding certain abandoned vehicles.
Section 39-12.1-6. - Possessory lien.
Section 39-12.1-7. - Thirty (30) day waiting period.
Section 39-12.1-8. - Notice prior to enforcement of possessory lien.
Section 39-12.1-9. - Foreclosure of lien.
Section 39-12.1-10. - Special procedures regarding the disposal of abandoned vehicles of no value.
Section 39-12.1-11. - Preexisting impoundments.
Section 39-12.1-12. - Private trespass towing.
Section 39-12.1-13. - Form of notice.
Section 39-12.1-14. - Form of foreclosure notice.
Section 39-12.1-15. - Enforcement and administration of chapter.