Bill > SB304

This bill amends Ohio law regarding motor vehicle towing and storage by modifying the responsibilities of lienholders when a vehicle is towed and stored by law enforcement. The key change is in the addition of a new provision (labeled as section G) that explicitly states that a lienholder is not financially responsible for towing and storage expenses if they choose not to reclaim the vehicle. Previously, the law was less clear about lienholder obligations. The bill maintains existing procedures for law enforcement to order vehicle storage, including notifying vehicle owners and lienholders by certified mail within five business days of removal, and allowing a ten-day window for the owner or lienholder to claim and retrieve the vehicle. The bill preserves the owner's right to pay removal and storage fees to reclaim the vehicle, and allows retrieval of personal items without retrieving the entire vehicle. If the vehicle is not claimed within ten days, it can be disposed of at public auction or to a vehicle salvage dealer, with appropriate documentation to clear any existing liens. The primary intent of this amendment appears to be to provide clarity and protection for lienholders by explicitly releasing them from financial responsibility for abandoned vehicles.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb304