Rep. Jay Hoffman

Filed: 4/12/2013

 

 


 

 


 
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1
AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 758

2    AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend House Bill 758 by replacing
3everything after the enacting clause with the following:
 
4    "Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by
5changing Sections 4-201, 4-203, 4-204, 4-205, 4-207, 4-208,
64-209.1, 4-209.2, 4-212, 4-212.1, 4-214, and 4-215 and by
7adding Sections 4-203.1, 4-203.2, and 4-209.3 as follows:
 
8    (625 ILCS 5/4-201)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-201)
9    Sec. 4-201. Abandonment of vehicles prohibited.
10    (a) The abandonment of a vehicle or any part thereof on any
11highway in this State is unlawful and subject to penalties as
12set forth under Penalty Section 4-214 of this Code Chapter.
13    (b) The abandonment of a vehicle or any part thereof on
14private or public property, other than a highway, in view of
15the general public, anywhere in this State is unlawful except
16on property of the owner or bailee of the such abandoned

 

 

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1vehicle. A vehicle or any part thereof so abandoned on private
2property shall be authorized for removal, by a law enforcement
3agency having jurisdiction, after a waiting period of 7 days or
4more, or may be removed immediately if determined to be a
5hazardous dilapidated motor vehicle under Section 11-40-3.1 of
6the Illinois Municipal Code. A violation of subsections (a) or
7(b) of this Section is subject to penalties as set forth under
8Section 4-214 of this Code. Chapter.
9    (c) (Blank). A towing service may begin to process an
10unclaimed vehicle as abandoned by requesting a record search by
11the Secretary of State up to 10 days after the date of the tow,
12or any later date acceptable to the Secretary of State. This
13subsection (c) shall not apply to vehicles towed by order or
14authorization of a law enforcement agency.
15(Source: P.A. 90-330, eff. 8-8-97.)
 
16    (625 ILCS 5/4-203)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-203)
17    Sec. 4-203. Removal of abandoned or unattended motor
18vehicles or other vehicles on public roadways; Towing or
19hauling away.
20    (a) When a vehicle is abandoned, or left unattended, on a
21toll highway, interstate highway, or expressway for 2 hours or
22more, its removal by a towing service may be authorized by a
23law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.
24    (b) (Blank). When a vehicle is abandoned on a highway in an
25urban district 10 hours or more, its removal by a towing

 

 

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1service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having
2jurisdiction.
3    (c) When a vehicle is abandoned or left unattended on a
4highway other than a toll highway, interstate highway, or
5expressway, outside of an urban district for 24 hours or more,
6its removal by a towing service may be authorized by a law
7enforcement agency having jurisdiction.
8    (d) When an abandoned, unattended, wrecked, burned or
9partially dismantled vehicle is creating a traffic hazard
10because of its position in relation to the highway or its
11physical appearance is causing the impeding of traffic, its
12immediate removal from the highway or private property adjacent
13to the highway by a towing service may be authorized by a law
14enforcement agency having jurisdiction.
15    (e) (Blank). Whenever a peace officer reasonably believes
16that a person under arrest for a violation of Section 11-501 of
17this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance is
18likely, upon release, to commit a subsequent violation of
19Section 11-501, or a similar provision of a local ordinance,
20the arresting officer shall have the vehicle which the person
21was operating at the time of the arrest impounded for a period
22of not more than 12 hours after the time of arrest. However,
23such vehicle may be released by the arresting law enforcement
24agency prior to the end of the impoundment period if:
25        (1) the vehicle was not owned by the person under
26    arrest, and the lawful owner requesting such release

 

 

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1    possesses a valid operator's license, proof of ownership,
2    and would not, as determined by the arresting law
3    enforcement agency, indicate a lack of ability to operate a
4    motor vehicle in a safe manner, or who would otherwise, by
5    operating such motor vehicle, be in violation of this Code;
6    or
7        (2) the vehicle is owned by the person under arrest,
8    and the person under arrest gives permission to another
9    person to operate such vehicle, provided however, that the
10    other person possesses a valid operator's license and would
11    not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency,
12    indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a
13    safe manner or who would otherwise, by operating such motor
14    vehicle, be in violation of this Code.
15    (e-5) (Blank). Whenever a registered owner of a vehicle is
16taken into custody for operating the vehicle in violation of
17Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local
18ordinance or Section 6-303 of this Code, a law enforcement
19officer may have the vehicle immediately impounded for a period
20not less than:
21        (1) 24 hours for a second violation of Section 11-501
22    of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or
23    Section 6-303 of this Code or a combination of these
24    offenses; or
25        (2) 48 hours for a third violation of Section 11-501 of
26    this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or

 

 

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1    Section 6-303 of this Code or a combination of these
2    offenses.
3    The vehicle may be released sooner if the vehicle is owned
4by the person under arrest and the person under arrest gives
5permission to another person to operate the vehicle and that
6other person possesses a valid operator's license and would
7not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency,
8indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe
9manner or would otherwise, by operating the motor vehicle, be
10in violation of this Code.
11    (f) (Blank). Except as provided in Chapter 18a of this
12Code, the owner or lessor of privately owned real property
13within this State, or any person authorized by such owner or
14lessor, or any law enforcement agency in the case of publicly
15owned real property may cause any motor vehicle abandoned or
16left unattended upon such property without permission to be
17removed by a towing service without liability for the costs of
18removal, transportation or storage or damage caused by such
19removal, transportation or storage. The towing or removal of
20any vehicle from private property without the consent of the
21registered owner or other legally authorized person in control
22of the vehicle is subject to compliance with the following
23conditions and restrictions:
24        1. Any towed or removed vehicle must be stored at the
25    site of the towing service's place of business. The site
26    must be open during business hours, and for the purpose of

 

 

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1    redemption of vehicles, during the time that the person or
2    firm towing such vehicle is open for towing purposes.
3        2. The towing service shall within 30 minutes of
4    completion of such towing or removal, notify the law
5    enforcement agency having jurisdiction of such towing or
6    removal, and the make, model, color and license plate
7    number of the vehicle, and shall obtain and record the name
8    of the person at the law enforcement agency to whom such
9    information was reported.
10        3. If the registered owner or legally authorized person
11    entitled to possession of the vehicle shall arrive at the
12    scene prior to actual removal or towing of the vehicle, the
13    vehicle shall be disconnected from the tow truck and that
14    person shall be allowed to remove the vehicle without
15    interference, upon the payment of a reasonable service fee
16    of not more than one half the posted rate of the towing
17    service as provided in paragraph 6 of this subsection, for
18    which a receipt shall be given.
19        4. The rebate or payment of money or any other valuable
20    consideration from the towing service or its owners,
21    managers or employees to the owners or operators of the
22    premises from which the vehicles are towed or removed, for
23    the privilege of removing or towing those vehicles, is
24    prohibited. Any individual who violates this paragraph
25    shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
26        5. Except for property appurtenant to and obviously a

 

 

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1    part of a single family residence, and except for instances
2    where notice is personally given to the owner or other
3    legally authorized person in control of the vehicle that
4    the area in which that vehicle is parked is reserved or
5    otherwise unavailable to unauthorized vehicles and they
6    are subject to being removed at the owner or operator's
7    expense, any property owner or lessor, prior to towing or
8    removing any vehicle from private property without the
9    consent of the owner or other legally authorized person in
10    control of that vehicle, must post a notice meeting the
11    following requirements:
12            a. Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph
13        a.1 of this subdivision (f)5, the notice must be
14        prominently placed at each driveway access or curb cut
15        allowing vehicular access to the property within 5 feet
16        from the public right-of-way line. If there are no
17        curbs or access barriers, the sign must be posted not
18        less than one sign each 100 feet of lot frontage.
19            a.1. In a municipality with a population of less
20        than 250,000, as an alternative to the requirement of
21        subparagraph a of this subdivision (f)5, the notice for
22        a parking lot contained within property used solely for
23        a 2-family, 3-family, or 4-family residence may be
24        prominently placed at the perimeter of the parking lot,
25        in a position where the notice is visible to the
26        occupants of vehicles entering the lot.

 

 

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1            b. The notice must indicate clearly, in not less
2        than 2 inch high light-reflective letters on a
3        contrasting background, that unauthorized vehicles
4        will be towed away at the owner's expense.
5            c. The notice must also provide the name and
6        current telephone number of the towing service towing
7        or removing the vehicle.
8            d. The sign structure containing the required
9        notices must be permanently installed with the bottom
10        of the sign not less than 4 feet above ground level,
11        and must be continuously maintained on the property for
12        not less than 24 hours prior to the towing or removing
13        of any vehicle.
14        6. Any towing service that tows or removes vehicles and
15    proposes to require the owner, operator, or person in
16    control of the vehicle to pay the costs of towing and
17    storage prior to redemption of the vehicle must file and
18    keep on record with the local law enforcement agency a
19    complete copy of the current rates to be charged for such
20    services, and post at the storage site an identical rate
21    schedule and any written contracts with property owners,
22    lessors, or persons in control of property which authorize
23    them to remove vehicles as provided in this Section. The
24    towing and storage charges, however, shall not exceed the
25    maximum allowed by the Illinois Commerce Commission under
26    Section 18a-200.

 

 

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1        7. No person shall engage in the removal of vehicles
2    from private property as described in this Section without
3    filing a notice of intent in each community where he
4    intends to do such removal, and such notice shall be filed
5    at least 7 days before commencing such towing.
6        8. No removal of a vehicle from private property shall
7    be done except upon express written instructions of the
8    owners or persons in charge of the private property upon
9    which the vehicle is said to be trespassing.
10        9. Vehicle entry for the purpose of removal shall be
11    allowed with reasonable care on the part of the person or
12    firm towing the vehicle. Such person or firm shall be
13    liable for any damages occasioned to the vehicle if such
14    entry is not in accordance with the standards of reasonable
15    care.
16        10. When a vehicle has been towed or removed pursuant
17    to this Section, it must be released to its owner or
18    custodian within one half hour after requested, if such
19    request is made during business hours. Any vehicle owner or
20    custodian or agent shall have the right to inspect the
21    vehicle before accepting its return, and no release or
22    waiver of any kind which would release the towing service
23    from liability for damages incurred during the towing and
24    storage may be required from any vehicle owner or other
25    legally authorized person as a condition of release of the
26    vehicle. A detailed, signed receipt showing the legal name

 

 

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1    of the towing service must be given to the person paying
2    towing or storage charges at the time of payment, whether
3    requested or not.
4    This Section shall not apply to law enforcement,
5firefighting, rescue, ambulance, or other emergency vehicles
6which are marked as such or to property owned by any
7governmental entity.
8    When an authorized person improperly causes a motor vehicle
9to be removed, such person shall be liable to the owner or
10lessee of the vehicle for the cost or removal, transportation
11and storage, any damages resulting from the removal,
12transportation and storage, attorney's fee and court costs.
13    Any towing or storage charges accrued shall be payable by
14the use of any major credit card, in addition to being payable
15in cash.
16        11. Towing companies shall also provide insurance
17    coverage for areas where vehicles towed under the
18    provisions of this Chapter will be impounded or otherwise
19    stored, and shall adequately cover loss by fire, theft or
20    other risks.
21    Any person who fails to comply with the conditions and
22restrictions of this subsection shall be guilty of a Class C
23misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than
24$500.
25    (g) (Blank). (1) When a vehicle is determined to be a
26hazardous dilapidated motor vehicle pursuant to Section

 

 

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111-40-3.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code or Section 5-12002.1
2of the Counties Code, its removal and impoundment by a towing
3service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency with
4appropriate jurisdiction.
5    (2) When a vehicle removal from either public or private
6property is authorized by a law enforcement agency, the owner
7of the vehicle shall be responsible for all towing and storage
8charges.
9    (3) Vehicles removed from public or private property and
10stored by a commercial vehicle relocator or any other towing
11service authorized by a law enforcement agency in compliance
12with this Section and Sections 4-201 and 4-202 of this Code, or
13at the request of the vehicle owner or operator, shall be
14subject to a possessor lien for services pursuant to the Labor
15and Storage Lien (Small Amount) Act. The provisions of Section
161 of that Act relating to notice and implied consent shall be
17deemed satisfied by compliance with Section 18a-302 and
18subsection (6) of Section 18a-300. In no event shall such lien
19be greater than the rate or rates established in accordance
20with subsection (6) of Section 18a-200 of this Code. In no
21event shall such lien be increased or altered to reflect any
22charge for services or materials rendered in addition to those
23authorized by this Act. Every such lien shall be payable by use
24of any major credit card, in addition to being payable in cash.
25    (4) Any personal property belonging to the vehicle owner in
26a vehicle subject to a lien under this subsection (g) shall

 

 

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1likewise be subject to that lien, excepting only: child
2restraint systems as defined in Section 4 of the Child
3Passenger Protection Act and other child booster seats;
4eyeglasses; food; medicine; perishable property; any
5operator's licenses; any cash, credit cards, or checks or
6checkbooks; any wallet, purse, or other property containing any
7operator's license or other identifying documents or
8materials, cash, credit cards, checks, or checkbooks; and any
9personal property belonging to a person other than the vehicle
10owner if that person provides adequate proof that the personal
11property belongs to that person. The spouse, child, mother,
12father, brother, or sister of the vehicle owner may claim
13personal property excepted under this paragraph (4) if the
14person claiming the personal property provides the commercial
15vehicle relocator or towing service with the authorization of
16the vehicle owner.
17    (5) This paragraph (5) applies only in the case of a
18vehicle that is towed as a result of being involved in an
19accident. In addition to the personal property excepted under
20paragraph (4), all other personal property in a vehicle subject
21to a lien under this subsection (g) is exempt from that lien
22and may be claimed by the vehicle owner if the vehicle owner
23provides the commercial vehicle relocator or towing service
24with proof that the vehicle owner has an insurance policy
25covering towing and storage fees. The spouse, child, mother,
26father, brother, or sister of the vehicle owner may claim

 

 

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1personal property in a vehicle subject to a lien under this
2subsection (g) if the person claiming the personal property
3provides the commercial vehicle relocator or towing service
4with the authorization of the vehicle owner and proof that the
5vehicle owner has an insurance policy covering towing and
6storage fees. The regulation of liens on personal property and
7exceptions to those liens in the case of vehicles towed as a
8result of being involved in an accident are exclusive powers
9and functions of the State. A home rule unit may not regulate
10liens on personal property and exceptions to those liens in the
11case of vehicles towed as a result of being involved in an
12accident. This paragraph (5) is a denial and limitation of home
13rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of
14Article VII of the Illinois Constitution.
15    (6) No lien under this subsection (g) shall: exceed $2,000
16in its total amount; or be increased or altered to reflect any
17charge for services or materials rendered in addition to those
18authorized by this Act.
19    (h) (Blank). Whenever a peace officer issues a citation to
20a driver for a violation of subsection (a) of Section 11-506 of
21this Code, the arresting officer may have the vehicle which the
22person was operating at the time of the arrest impounded for a
23period of 5 days after the time of arrest. An impounding agency
24shall release a motor vehicle impounded under this subsection
25(h) to the registered owner of the vehicle under any of the
26following circumstances:

 

 

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1        (1) If the vehicle is a stolen vehicle; or
2        (2) If the person ticketed for a violation of
3    subsection (a) of Section 11-506 of this Code was not
4    authorized by the registered owner of the vehicle to
5    operate the vehicle at the time of the violation; or
6        (3) If the registered owner of the vehicle was neither
7    the driver nor a passenger in the vehicle at the time of
8    the violation or was unaware that the driver was using the
9    vehicle to engage in street racing; or
10        (4) If the legal owner or registered owner of the
11    vehicle is a rental car agency; or
12        (5) If, prior to the expiration of the impoundment
13    period specified above, the citation is dismissed or the
14    defendant is found not guilty of the offense.
15(Source: P.A. 96-1274, eff. 7-26-10; 96-1506, eff. 1-27-11;
1697-779, eff. 7-13-12.)
 
17    (625 ILCS 5/4-203.1 new)
18    Sec. 4-203.1. Removal of Abandoned or Unattended Vehicles
19on Private Property.
20    (a) Towing of vehicles from residential private property;
21no notice posted. Except as provided in Chapter 18a of this
22Code, the owner or lessor of privately owned residential real
23property within this State, or any person authorized by the
24owner or lessor, may cause any motor vehicle abandoned or left
25unattended upon that property without permission to be removed

 

 

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1by a towing service without liability for the costs of removal,
2transportation or storage or damage caused by the removal,
3transportation or storage.
4    The towing service shall keep the towed vehicle and its
5contents and maintain a record of the tow as required under
6Section 4-204 of this Code for law enforcement agencies until
7the vehicle is claimed by the owner or any other person legally
8entitled to its possession or until it is disposed of as
9provided in this Chapter.
10    The towing or removal of any vehicle from residential
11private property without the consent of the registered owner or
12other legally authorized person in control of the vehicle is
13subject to compliance with the following provisions:
14        (1) any towed or removed vehicle must be stored at the
15    site of the towing service's place of business. The site
16    must be open during business hours, and for the purpose of
17    redemption of vehicles, during the time that the person or
18    firm towing the vehicle is open for towing purposes;
19        (2) the towing service shall, within 30 minutes of
20    completion of the towing or removal, notify the law
21    enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the towing or
22    removal, of the make, model, color, and license plate
23    number of the vehicle, and shall obtain and record the name
24    of the person at the law enforcement agency to whom the
25    information was reported;
26        (3) if the registered owner or legally authorized

 

 

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1    person entitled to possession of the vehicle arrives at the
2    scene prior to removal or towing of the vehicle, the
3    vehicle shall be disconnected from the tow truck and that
4    person shall be allowed to remove the vehicle without
5    interference upon the payment of a reasonable service fee
6    of not more than one-half the rate of the towing service
7    posted with local law enforcement as required by subsection
8    (c) of this Section, for which a receipt shall be given;
9    and
10        (4) the rebate or payment of money or any other
11    valuable consideration from the towing service or its
12    owners, managers, or employees to the owners or operators
13    of the premises from which the vehicles are towed or
14    removed, for the privilege of removing or towing those
15    vehicles, is prohibited. Any person who violates this
16    paragraph shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
17    (b) Towing Vehicles from Non-Residential Private Property.
18Except for private property obviously a part of a single-family
19residence, and except for instances where notice is personally
20given to the owner or operator of the vehicle that the area in
21which that vehicle is parking is reserved or otherwise
22unavailable and they are subject to being removed at the owner
23or operator's expense, any property owner or lessor, prior to
24towing or removing any vehicle from non-residential private
25property without the consent of the owner of that vehicle,
26shall post a notice meeting the following requirements:

 

 

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1        (1) except as otherwise provided, the notice must be
2    prominently placed at each driveway access or curb cut
3    allowing vehicular access to the property within 5 feet
4    from the public right-of-way line. If there are no curbs or
5    access barriers, the sign must be posted not less than one
6    sign each 100 feet of lot frontage;
7        (2) in a municipality with a population of less than
8    250,000, as an alternative to the requirement of paragraph
9    (1) of subsection (b), the notice for a parking lot
10    contained within property used solely for a 2-family,
11    3-family, or 4-family residence may be prominently placed
12    at the perimeter of the parking lot, in a position where
13    the notice is visible to the occupants of vehicles entering
14    the lot;
15        (3) the notice must indicate clearly, in not less than
16    2 inch high light-reflective letters on a contrasting
17    background, that unauthorized vehicles will be towed away
18    at the owner's expense;
19        (4) the notice must also provide the name and current
20    telephone number of the towing service towing or removing
21    the vehicle; and
22        (5) the sign structure containing the required notices
23    must be permanently installed with the bottom of the sign
24    not less than 4 feet above ground level, and must be
25    continuously maintained on the property for not less than
26    24 hours prior to the towing or removing of any vehicle.

 

 

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1    (c) Any towing service that tows or removes vehicles must
2file and keep on record with the local law enforcement agency a
3complete copy of the current rates to be charged for these
4services, and post at the storage site an identical rate
5schedule and any written contracts with property owners,
6lessors, or persons in control of property which authorize them
7to remove vehicles as provided in this Section. The towing and
8storage charges shall not exceed the maximum allowed by the
9Illinois Commerce Commission under Section 18a-200 of this
10Code.
11    (d) No person shall engage in the removal of vehicles from
12private property as described in this Section without filing a
13notice of intent in each community where he or she intends to
14conduct removal, and this notice shall be filed at least 7 days
15before commencing any towing.
16    (e) No removal of a vehicle from private property shall be
17done except upon express written instructions of the owners or
18persons in charge of the private property upon which the
19vehicle is said to be trespassing.
20    (f) Vehicle entry for the purpose of removal shall be
21allowed with reasonable care on the part of the person or firm
22towing the vehicle. This person or firm shall be liable for any
23damages to the vehicle if their entry is not in accordance with
24the standards of reasonable care.
25    (g) When a vehicle has been towed or removed under this
26Section, it must be released to its owner within one-half hour

 

 

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1after requested, if the request is made during business hours.
2Any vehicle owner or custodian or agent shall have the right to
3inspect the vehicle before accepting its return, and no release
4or waiver of any kind which would release the towing service
5from liability for damages incurred during the towing and
6storage may be required from any vehicle owner or other legally
7authorized person as a condition of release of the vehicle. A
8detailed, signed receipt showing the legal name of the towing
9service must be given to the person paying towing or storage
10charges at the time of payment.
11    This Section shall not apply to law enforcement,
12firefighting, rescue, ambulance, or other emergency vehicles
13which are marked as such or to property owned by any
14governmental entity.
15    When an authorized person improperly causes a motor vehicle
16to be removed, that person shall be liable to the owner or
17lessee of the vehicle for the cost of removal, transportation,
18storage, any damages resulting from the removal,
19transportation and storage, attorney's fee, and court costs.
20    (h) Towing companies shall also provide insurance coverage
21for areas where vehicles towed under the provisions of this
22Chapter will be impounded or otherwise stored, and shall
23adequately cover loss by fire, theft or other risks.
24    Any person who fails to comply with the conditions and
25restrictions of this subsection shall be guilty of a Class C
26misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than

 

 

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1$500.
2    (i) When a vehicle is determined to be a hazardous
3dilapidated motor vehicle under Section 11-40-3.1 of the
4Illinois Municipal Code or Section 5-12002.1 of the Counties
5Code, its removal and impoundment by a towing service may be
6authorized by a law enforcement agency with appropriate
7jurisdiction.
 
8    (625 ILCS 5/4-203.2 new)
9    Sec. 4-203.2. Impoundment of Vehicles for Certain
10Offenses.
11    (a) Whenever a peace officer reasonably believes that a
12person under arrest for a violation of Section 11-501 of this
13Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance is likely,
14upon release, to commit a subsequent violation of Section
1511-501, or a similar provision of a local ordinance, the
16arresting officer shall have the vehicle which the person was
17operating at the time of the arrest impounded for a period of
18not more than 12 hours after the time of arrest. However, the
19vehicle may be released by the arresting law enforcement agency
20prior to the end of the impoundment period if:
21        (1) the vehicle was not owned by the person under
22    arrest, and the lawful owner requesting the release
23    possesses a valid operator's license, proof of ownership,
24    and would not, as determined by the arresting law
25    enforcement agency, indicate a lack of ability to operate a

 

 

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1    motor vehicle in a safe manner, or who would otherwise, by
2    operating the motor vehicle, be in violation of this Code;
3    or
4        (2) the vehicle is owned by the person under arrest,
5    and the person under arrest gives permission to another
6    person to operate the vehicle, provided however, that the
7    other person possesses a valid operator's license and would
8    not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency,
9    indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a
10    safe manner or who would otherwise, by operating the motor
11    vehicle, be in violation of this Code.
12    (b) Whenever a registered owner of a vehicle is taken into
13custody for operating the vehicle in violation of Section
1411-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance
15or Section 6-303 of this Code, a law enforcement officer may
16have the vehicle immediately impounded for a period not less
17than:
18        (1) 24 hours for a second violation of Section 11-501
19    of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or
20    Section 6-303 of this Code or a combination of these
21    offenses; or
22        (2) 48 hours for a third violation of Section 11-501 of
23    this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or
24    Section 6-303 of this Code or a combination of these
25    offenses.
26    The vehicle may be released sooner if the vehicle is owned

 

 

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1by the person under arrest and the person under arrest gives
2permission to another person to operate the vehicle and that
3other person possesses a valid operator's license and would
4not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency,
5indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe
6manner or would otherwise, by operating the motor vehicle, be
7in violation of this Code.
8    (c) Whenever a peace officer issues a citation to a driver
9for a violation of subsection (a) of Section 11-506 of this
10Code, the arresting officer may have the vehicle which the
11person was operating at the time of the arrest impounded for a
12period of 5 days after the time of arrest. An impounding agency
13shall release a motor vehicle impounded under this subsection
14(c) to the registered owner of the vehicle under any of the
15following circumstances:
16        (1) if the vehicle is a stolen vehicle;
17        (2) if the person ticketed for a violation of
18    subsection (a) of Section 11-506 of this Code was not
19    authorized by the registered owner of the vehicle to
20    operate the vehicle at the time of the violation;
21        (3) if the registered owner of the vehicle was neither
22    the driver nor a passenger in the vehicle at the time of
23    the violation or was unaware that the driver was using the
24    vehicle to engage in street racing;
25        (4) if the legal owner or registered owner of the
26    vehicle is a rental car agency; or

 

 

09800HB0758ham001- 23 -LRB098 03587 MLW 43986 a

1        (5) if, prior to the expiration of the impoundment
2    period specified above, the citation is dismissed or the
3    defendant is found not guilty of the offense.
 
4    (625 ILCS 5/4-204)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-204)
5    Sec. 4-204. Police authorized tows; reports, release of
6vehicles, payment. When a vehicle is authorized to be towed
7away at the request of a law enforcement officer as provided in
8Section 4-202 or 4-203:
9    (a) The authorization, any hold order, and any release
10shall be in writing, or confirmed in writing, by the
11authorizing law enforcement agency with a copy given to the
12towing service.
13    (b) The law enforcement agency police headquarters or
14office of the law officer authorizing the tow towing shall keep
15and maintain a record of the vehicle towed, listing the color,
16year of manufacture, manufacturer's trade name, manufacturer's
17series name, body style, vehicle identification number Vehicle
18Identification Number, and license plate year and number for
19and registration sticker year and number displayed on the
20vehicle. The record shall also include the date and hour of
21tow, location towed from, location towed to, reason for towing
22and the name of the officer authorizing the tow.
23    (c) The owner, operator, or other legally entitled person
24shall be responsible to the towing service for payment of
25applicable removal, towing, storage, and processing charges

 

 

09800HB0758ham001- 24 -LRB098 03587 MLW 43986 a

1and collection costs associated with a vehicle towed or held
2under order or authorization of a law enforcement agency. If a
3vehicle towed or held under order or authorization of a law
4enforcement agency is seized by the ordering or authorizing
5agency or any other law enforcement or governmental agency and
6sold, any unpaid removal, towing, storage, and processing
7charges and collection costs shall be paid to the towing
8service from the proceeds of the sale. If applicable law
9provides that the proceeds are to be paid into the treasury of
10the appropriate civil jurisdiction, then any unpaid removal,
11towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs
12shall be paid to the towing service from the treasury of the
13civil jurisdiction. That payment shall not, however, exceed the
14amount of proceeds from the sale, with the balance to be paid
15by the owner, operator, or other legally entitled person.
16    (d) Upon delivery of a written release order to the towing
17service, a vehicle subject to a hold order shall be released to
18the owner, operator, or other legally entitled person upon
19proof of ownership or other entitlement and upon payment of
20applicable removal, towing, storage, and processing charges
21and collection costs.
22(Source: P.A. 89-433, eff. 12-15-95.)
 
23    (625 ILCS 5/4-205)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-205)
24    Sec. 4-205. Record searches.
25    (a) When a towing service or a law enforcement agency

 

 

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1authorizing the impounding or towing of a vehicle does not know
2the identity of the registered owner, lienholder or other
3legally entitled person, the towing service or that law
4enforcement agency will request a search of the title cause the
5vehicle registration records of the Secretary of State to
6determine ownership information of Illinois to be searched by
7the Secretary of State for the purpose of obtaining the
8required ownership information.
9    (a-5) In the event that the Secretary of State cannot
10provide ownership information, the following means shall be
11used to identify the owner of the vehicle:
12        (1) using the vehicle identification number to conduct
13    a search through a commercial, nation-wide motor vehicle
14    information service; or
15        (2) inspecting the vehicle for any evidence of the name
16    or address of the owner or state of registration.
17    (a-10) If evidence of the state of registration can be
18found by utilizing the means set forth in subsection (a-5) of
19this Section, the motor vehicle department of that state shall
20be contacted and requested to perform a record search for the
21name and address of any owner or lienholder.
22    (b) The law enforcement agency authorizing the impounding
23of a vehicle will search cause the stolen motor vehicle files
24of the State Police to be searched by a directed communication
25to the State Police for stolen or wanted information on the
26vehicle. When the State Police files are searched with negative

 

 

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1results, the information contained in the National Crime
2Information Center (NCIC) files will be searched by the State
3Police. The information determined from these record searches
4will be returned to the requesting law enforcement agency for
5that agency's use in sending a notification by certified mail
6to the registered owner, lienholder and other legally entitled
7persons advising where the vehicle is held, requesting a
8disposition be made and setting forth public sale information.
9Notification shall be sent no later than 10 business days after
10the date the law enforcement agency impounds or authorizes the
11impounding of a vehicle, provided that if the law enforcement
12agency is unable to determine the identity of the registered
13owner, lienholder or other person legally entitled to ownership
14of the impounded vehicle within a 10 business day period after
15impoundment, then notification shall be sent no later than 2
16days after the date the identity of the registered owner,
17lienholder or other person legally entitled to ownership of the
18impounded vehicle is determined. Exceptions to a notification
19by certified mail to the registered owner, lienholder and other
20legally entitled persons are set forth in Section 4-209 of this
21Code.
22    (b-5) If an abandoned or unclaimed vehicle displays a
23dealer, transporter, or manufacturer license plate or
24temporary registration plate, the towing service or law
25enforcement agency, in addition to requesting a search of the
26title record of the vehicle, shall request a registration

 

 

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1record of the vehicle.
2    (c) (Blank). When ownership information is needed for a
3towing service to give notification as required under this
4Code, the towing service may cause the vehicle registration
5records of the State of Illinois to be searched by the
6Secretary of State, and in such case, the towing service also
7shall give notice to all lienholders of record within the time
8period required for such other notices.
9    The written request of a towing service, in the form and
10containing the information prescribed by the Secretary of State
11by rule, may be transmitted to the Secretary of State in
12person, by U.S. mail or other delivery service, by facsimile
13transmission, or by other means the Secretary of State deems
14acceptable.
15    The Secretary of State shall provide the required
16information, or a statement that the information was not found
17in the vehicle registration records of the State, by U.S. mail
18or other delivery service, facsimile transmission, as
19requested by the towing service, or by other means acceptable
20to the Secretary of State.
21    (d) (Blank). The Secretary of State may prescribe standards
22and procedures for submission of requests for record searches
23and replies via computer link.
24    (e) (Blank). Fees for services provided under this Section
25shall be in amounts prescribed by the Secretary of State under
26Section 3-821.1 of this Code. Payment may be made by the towing

 

 

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1service using cash, any commonly accepted credit card, or any
2other means of payment deemed acceptable by the Secretary of
3State.
4(Source: P.A. 95-838, eff. 8-15-08.)
 
5    (625 ILCS 5/4-207)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-207)
6    Sec. 4-207. Reclaimed vehicles; expenses.
7    (a) Any time before a vehicle is sold at public sale or
8disposed of as provided in Section 4-208, the owner, lienholder
9or other person legally entitled to its possession may reclaim
10the vehicle by presenting to the law enforcement agency having
11custody of the vehicle proof of ownership or proof of the right
12to possession of the vehicle. In order to reclaim the vehicle,
13the owner, lienholder, or other person legally entitled to its
14possession must pay all towing and storage charges. Storage
15charges may not exceed 60 days. Payment may be made by use of
16any major credit card, in addition to being payable in cash.
17    (b) (Blank). No vehicle shall be released to the owner,
18lienholder, or other person under this Section until all
19towing, storage, and processing charges have been paid.
20(Source: P.A. 89-433, eff. 12-15-95.)
 
21    (625 ILCS 5/4-208)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-208)
22    Sec. 4-208. Notice for disposal Disposal of unclaimed
23vehicles.
24    (a) In cities having a population of more than 500,000,

 

 

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1whenever an abandoned, lost, stolen or unclaimed vehicle, or
2vehicle determined to be a hazardous dilapidated motor vehicle
3pursuant to Section 11-40-3.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code,
4remains unclaimed by the registered owner, lienholder or other
5legally entitled person for a period of 18 days after notice
6has been given under Sections 4-205 and 4-206 of this Code, if
7during that 18 days the possessor of the vehicle has sent an
8additional notice by first class mail to the registered owner,
9lienholder, or other legally entitled person, the vehicle shall
10be disposed, pursuant to the provisions of the "Municipal
11purchasing act for cities of 500,000 or more population", to a
12person licensed as an automotive parts recycler, rebuilder or
13scrap processor under Chapter 5 of this Code. With respect to
14any vehicle that has been booted, impounded, or both in
15accordance with subsection (c) of Section 11-208.3, a city with
16a population over 500,000 may establish a program whereby the
17registered owner, lienholder, or other legally entitled person
18is entitled to any proceeds from the disposition of the
19vehicle, less any reasonable storage charges, administrative
20fees, booting fees, towing fees, and parking and compliance
21fines and penalties.
22    (a-5) After a towing service or law enforcement agency
23determines the vehicle owner and any lienholder as required
24under Section 4-205 of this Code, the towing service or law
25enforcement agency shall send a certified notice to the owner
26and lienholder no later than 10 business days after the date of

 

 

09800HB0758ham001- 30 -LRB098 03587 MLW 43986 a

1the tow. If the identity of the registered owner or lienholder
2cannot be determined within 10 business days after the tow,
3then certified notice shall be sent no later than 2 days after
4the date the identity of the registered owner or lienholder of
5the vehicle is determined. The certified notice shall contain
6the name and location where the vehicle is being stored, hours
7of operation, and the total amount owed. The notice shall also
8provide notice to the registered owner, lienholder and other
9legally entitled person that if redemption does not occur
10within 10 business days of the date of the notice, the vehicle
11shall be sold at sale. The date, time, and place of sale shall
12be contained on the notice.
13    (a-10) If an abandoned or unclaimed vehicle displays a
14dealer, transporter, or manufacturer license plate or a
15temporary registration plate, the towing service or the law
16enforcement agency shall send the certified notices required
17under this Section to the person or entity having registration
18plates last issued as well as to the last registered owner or
19lienholder of the vehicle.
20    (b) (Blank). Except as provided in Section 4-208 for cities
21with more than 500,000 inhabitants, when an abandoned, lost,
22stolen or unclaimed vehicle 7 years of age or newer remains
23unclaimed by the registered owner, lienholder or other legally
24entitled persons for a period of 30 days after notice has been
25given as provided in Sections 4-205 and 4-206 of this Code, the
26law enforcement agency or towing service having possession of

 

 

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1the vehicle shall cause it to be sold at public auction to a
2person licensed as an automotive parts recycler, rebuilder or
3scrap processor under Chapter 5 of this Code or the towing
4operator which towed the vehicle. Notice of the time and place
5of the sale shall be posted in a conspicuous place for at least
610 days prior to the sale on the premises where the vehicle has
7been impounded. At least 10 days prior to the sale, the law
8enforcement agency where the vehicle is impounded, or the
9towing service where the vehicle is impounded, shall cause a
10notice of the time and place of the sale to be sent by
11certified mail to the registered owner, lienholder, or other
12legally entitled persons. Notice as provided in Sections 4-205
13and 4-206 of this Code and as provided in this subsection (b)
14shall state the time and place of sale and shall contain a
15complete description of the vehicle to be sold and what steps
16must be taken by any legally entitled person to reclaim the
17vehicle.
18    (c) (Blank). If an abandoned, lost, stolen, or unclaimed
19vehicle displays dealer plates, notice under this Section and
20Section 4-209 of this Code shall be sent to both the dealer and
21the registered owner, lienholder, or other legally entitled
22persons.
23    (d) (Blank). In those instances where the certified
24notification specified in Sections 4-205 and 4-206 of this Code
25has been returned by the postal authorities to the law
26enforcement agency or towing service, the sending of a second

 

 

09800HB0758ham001- 32 -LRB098 03587 MLW 43986 a

1certified notice will not be required.
2(Source: P.A. 94-650, eff. 1-1-06.)
 
3    (625 ILCS 5/4-209.1)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-209.1)
4    Sec. 4-209.1. Disposal of hazardous dilapidated motor
5vehicles. Any hazardous dilapidated motor vehicle impounded
6pursuant to the provisions of this Article and Section
711-40-3.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code, whether impounded at
8a public facility or on the property of private towing service,
9shall be kept in custody for a period of 10 business days for
10the purpose of determining the identity of the registered owner
11or lienholder and contacting such owner or lienholder, if
12known, by regular U.S. Mail. At the expiration of the 10
13business day -day period, without benefit of disposition
14information being received from the registered owner or
15lienholder, the towing service may dispose law enforcement
16agency having jurisdiction will authorize the disposal of the
17vehicle as junk.
18(Source: P.A. 86-460.)
 
19    (625 ILCS 5/4-209.2)
20    Sec. 4-209.2. Collection of unpaid charges.
21    (a) When a vehicle is abandoned or unclaimed, it shall be
22presumed that the last registered owner is responsible for the
23abandonment and shall be liable for all towing, storage, and
24collection costs, less any amounts realized in the disposal of

 

 

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1the vehicle. The last registered owner's liability for storage
2fees may not exceed a maximum of 60 days.
3    (b) The presumption established under this Section may be
4rebutted by a showing that, prior to the time of the tow:
5        (1) a report of vehicle theft was filed with respect to
6    the vehicle; or
7        (2) the vehicle was sold or transferred and the last
8    registered owner provides the towing service with the
9    identify and address of the new owner at the time of the
10    sale or transfer.
11In an action to collect towing, storage, and processing charges
12that remain unpaid after disposition of a vehicle towed or
13relocated under this Code, the towing service may recover
14reasonable collection costs.
15(Source: P.A. 89-433, eff. 12-15-95.)
 
16    (625 ILCS 5/4-209.3 new)
17    Sec. 4-209.3. Personal property; unpaid charges after
18sale.
19    (a) Any personal property belonging to the vehicle owner in
20a vehicle subject to a lien under this Section shall likewise
21be subject to that lien, except for: child restraint systems as
22defined in Section 4 of the Child Passenger Protection Act and
23other child booster seats; eyeglasses; food; medicine;
24perishable property; any operator's licenses; any cash, credit
25cards, or checks or checkbooks; any wallet, purse, or other

 

 

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1property containing any operator's license or other
2identifying documents or materials, cash, credit cards,
3checks, or checkbooks; and any personal property belonging to a
4person other than the vehicle owner if that person provides
5adequate proof that the personal property belongs to that
6person. The spouse, child, mother, father, brother, or sister
7of the vehicle owner may claim personal property excepted under
8this Section if the person claiming the personal property
9provides the commercial vehicle relocator or towing service
10with the authorization of the vehicle owner.
11    (b) This subsection applies only in the case of a vehicle
12that is towed as a result of being involved in an accident. In
13addition to the personal property excepted under paragraph (a),
14all other personal property in a vehicle subject to a lien
15under this subsection (b) is exempt from that lien and may be
16claimed by the vehicle owner if the vehicle owner provides the
17commercial vehicle relocator or towing service with proof that
18the vehicle owner has an insurance policy covering towing and
19storage fees. The spouse, child, mother, father, brother, or
20sister of the vehicle owner may claim personal property in a
21vehicle subject to a lien under this Section if the person
22claiming the personal property provides the commercial vehicle
23relocator or towing service with the authorization of the
24vehicle owner and proof that the vehicle owner has an insurance
25policy covering towing and storage fees. The regulation of
26liens on personal property and exceptions to those liens in the

 

 

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1case of vehicles towed as a result of being involved in an
2accident are exclusive powers and functions of the State. A
3home rule unit may not regulate liens on personal property and
4exceptions to those liens in the case of vehicles towed as a
5result of being involved in an accident. This subsection is a
6denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under
7subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois
8Constitution.
9    (c) In an action to collect towing, storage, and processing
10charges that remain unpaid after disposition of a vehicle towed
11or relocated under this Code, the towing service may recover
12reasonable collection costs.
 
13    (625 ILCS 5/4-212)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-212)
14    Sec. 4-212. Ownership documents for vehicles after public
15sale - removal of liens. When an applicant for a salvage
16certificate or junking certificate under this Chapter presents
17to the Secretary of State proof that he has purchased or
18acquired a vehicle at a public sale as authorized by this
19Chapter and such fact is certified to by the law enforcement
20agency having jurisdiction over the public sale of a vehicle,
21the Secretary of State shall issue a salvage certificate or
22junking certificate under paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of
23Section 3-117.1 of this Code for the vehicle upon receipt of
24the statutory fee and a properly executed application for a
25salvage certificate or junking certificate. The salvage

 

 

09800HB0758ham001- 36 -LRB098 03587 MLW 43986 a

1certificate or junking certificate issued by the Secretary of
2State under this Section shall be free of any lien that existed
3against the vehicle prior to the time the vehicle was acquired
4by the applicant under this Chapter.
5(Source: P.A. 85-951.)
 
6    (625 ILCS 5/4-212.1)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-212.1)
7    Sec. 4-212.1. In cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants,
8the corporate authorities may, by ordinance, designate any
9department of municipal government to do any of the following:
10    (1) To perform any of the duties and functions specified
11for law enforcement agencies in this Article subsection (a) of
12Section 4-205 and in Sections 4-201, 4-203, 4-204, 4-206,
134-207, 4-208, 4-209, 4-210, 4-211 and 4-212; and
14    (2) To authorize a towing service to remove and take
15possession of abandoned, lost, stolen or unclaimed vehicles, in
16the manner that municipal police may make such authorization
17pursuant to Section 4-202; and
18    (3) To send notifications as required under subsection (b)
19of Section 4-208 4-205.
20(Source: P.A. 86-947.)
 
21    (625 ILCS 5/4-214)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-214)
22    Sec. 4-214. Violations of Section 4-201.
23    (a) Any person who violates Section 4-201 of this Code or
24who aids and abets in that violation:

 

 

09800HB0758ham001- 37 -LRB098 03587 MLW 43986 a

1        (1) shall be subject to a mandatory fine of $200; and
2        (2) shall be required by the court to make a
3    disposition on the abandoned or unclaimed vehicle and pay
4    all towing, storage, and processing charges and collection
5    costs pursuant to Section 4-203, subsections (a) and (e).
6    (b) (Blank). When a vehicle is abandoned, it shall be
7presumed that the last registered owner is responsible for the
8abandonment and shall be liable for all towing, storage, and
9processing charges and collection costs, less any amounts
10realized in the disposal of the vehicle. The last registered
11owner's liability for storage fees may not exceed a maximum of
1230 days' storage fees.
13    The presumption established under this subsection may be
14rebutted by a showing that, prior to the time of the tow:
15        (1) a report of vehicle theft was filed with respect to
16    the vehicle; or
17        (2) the vehicle was sold or transferred and the last
18    registered owner provides the towing service with the
19    correct identity and address of the new owner at the time
20    of the sale or transfer.
21    If the presumption established under this subsection is
22rebutted, the person responsible for theft of the vehicle or to
23whom the vehicle was sold or transferred is liable for all
24towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs.
25(Source: P.A. 89-433, eff. 12-15-95.)
 

 

 

09800HB0758ham001- 38 -LRB098 03587 MLW 43986 a

1    (625 ILCS 5/4-215)
2    Sec. 4-215. Rebuilt vehicles; clean titles. A tow service
3authorized by a law enforcement agency to tow a vehicle may
4obtain a certificate of title for that towed vehicle that is
5not a salvage or junking certificate from a certificate of
6purchase if the vehicle has not sustained any structural
7damage, there is no history of a salvage certificate, and the
8vehicle has undergone a salvage inspection by the Secretary of
9State and a safety inspection under Section 13-101 of this
10Code. The application for a certificate of title applied for
11under this Section shall contain an affirmation under penalty
12of perjury that the vehicle on the date of the tow was not
13damaged in excess of 33% of its fair market value, has no
14structural damage and has no history of salvage. The Secretary
15of State may adopt rules to implement this Section. Persons
16licensed under Section 5-301 of this Code may obtain a
17certificate of title that does not bear the notation "REBUILT"
18from a certificate of purchase when the damage to the vehicle
19is 25% or less of its market value, there has been no
20structural damage to the vehicle, there is no history of a
21salvage certificate, and the vehicle has undergone a salvage
22inspection by the Secretary of State and a safety inspection
23under Section 13-101 of this Code. The application for a
24certificate of title shall contain an affirmation under penalty
25for perjury that the vehicle on the date of the application is
26not damaged in excess of 25% of its market value, has no

 

 

09800HB0758ham001- 39 -LRB098 03587 MLW 43986 a

1structural damage, and has no history of salvage.
2(Source: P.A. 89-433, eff. 12-15-95.)
 
3    (625 ILCS 5/4-206 rep.)
4    (625 ILCS 5/4-209 rep.)
5    Section 10. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by
6repealing Sections 4-206 and 4-209.".