Bill > H4981

This bill modifies existing law to ensure that lienholders, who are individuals or entities with a financial claim on a vehicle, are properly notified of towing and storage costs when a vehicle is impounded by law enforcement or certain motor vehicle officials. Specifically, it clarifies that when a vehicle is towed and stored, the officer or official responsible for towing must provide the garage owner with the registered owner's and lienholder's information. If this information isn't immediately available, the officer must obtain it and notify the garage owner within seven days. The garage owner, in turn, is required to notify both the registered owner and any lienholder by registered mail, return receipt requested, about the vehicle's storage, the associated costs, and to inquire if continued storage is desired. If the owner or lienholder doesn't respond within twenty-one days, the vehicle remains in storage at prevailing rates. If, after sixty days, the vehicle is still unclaimed, the garage owner can sell it after providing specific notice to the registered owner or lienholder and publishing notice of the sale, with any proceeds after deducting charges and costs to be deposited with the district court clerk for the benefit of the owner or lienholder.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4981