(625 ILCS 5/4-103.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-103.1)

Sec. 4-103.1. Vehicle theft conspiracy.

(a) Elements of the offense. A person commits vehicle theft conspiracy when, with intent that a violation of Section 4-103 of this Code be committed, he agrees with another to the commission of such an offense. No person may be convicted of vehicle theft conspiracy unless an overt act in furtherance of such an agreement is alleged and proved to have been committed by him or by a co-conspirator, and the accused is part of a common plan or scheme to engage in the unlawful activity.

(b) Co-conspirators. It shall not be a defense to vehicle theft conspiracy that the person or persons with whom the accused is alleged to have conspired:

(1) has not been prosecuted or convicted;

(2) has been convicted of a different offense;

(3) is not amenable to justice;

(4) has been acquitted; or

(5) lacked the capacity to commit an offense.

(c) Sentence. Vehicle theft conspiracy to violate Section 4-103 of this Code is a Class 2 felony. Vehicle theft conspiracy to violate Section 4-103.2 of this Code is a Class 1 felony.

(Source: P.A. 86-1209.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-103.2) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-103.2)

Sec. 4-103.2. Aggravated offenses relating to motor vehicles and other vehicles-Felonies.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (a-1), it is a violation of this Chapter for:

(1) a person not entitled to the possession of 3 or more vehicles, 3 or more essential parts of different vehicles, or a combination thereof, to receive, possess, conceal, sell, dispose of or transfer, those vehicles or parts of vehicles at the same time or within a one year period knowing that these vehicles or parts of vehicles are stolen or converted;

(2) a person to buy, receive, possess, sell or dispose of 3 or more vehicles, 3 or more essential parts of different vehicles, or a combination thereof, at the same time or within a one year period, knowing that the identification numbers of the vehicles or the essential parts with an identification number have been removed or falsified;

(3) a person not entitled to the possession of a vehicle having a value of $25,000 or greater to receive, possess, conceal, sell, dispose or transfer the vehicle, knowing that the vehicle has been stolen or converted;

(4) a person to knowingly possess, buy, sell, exchange or give away, at the same time or within a one year period, 3 or more manufacturer's identification number plates, mylar stickers, federal certificate labels, State Police reassignment plates, Secretary of State assigned plates or a facsimile of those items, or a combination thereof, which have not yet been attached to or have been removed from an original or assigned vehicle or essential part of a vehicle. It is an affirmative defense that the person possessing, buying, selling or exchanging a plate, mylar sticker or label is a police officer doing so as part of his official duties, or is a manufacturer's authorized representative who is replacing any manufacturer's identification number plate, mylar sticker or federal certificate label originally placed on a vehicle by the manufacturer of a vehicle or any essential part of a vehicle;

(5) a person not entitled to the possession of any second division vehicle, semitrailer, farm tractor, tow truck, rescue squad vehicle, medical transport vehicle, fire engine, special mobile equipment, dump truck, truck mounted transit mixer, crane or the engine, transmission, cab, cab clip or vehicle cowl of any of the above vehicles, to receive, possess, conceal, sell, dispose of or transfer the vehicle or vehicle part described in this paragraph knowing it is stolen or converted;

(6) a person not entitled to the possession of a vehicle which is owned or operated by a law enforcement agency to receive, possess, conceal, sell, or dispose of or transfer such vehicle knowing it is the property of a law enforcement agency and knowing it to be stolen or converted;

(7) a person:

(A) who is the driver or operator of a vehicle and is not entitled to the possession of that vehicle and who knows the vehicle is stolen or converted, or

(B) who is the driver or operator of a vehicle being used to transport or haul a vehicle or essential part of a vehicle and is not entitled to the possession of that vehicle or essential part being transported or hauled and who knows the transported or hauled vehicle or essential part is stolen or converted,

who has been given a signal by a peace officer directing him to bring the vehicle to a stop, to willfully fail or refuse to obey such direction, increase his speed, extinguish his lights or otherwise flee or attempt to elude the officer. The signal given by the peace officer may be by hand, voice, siren, or red or blue light. The officer giving the signal, if driving a vehicle, shall display the vehicle's illuminated, oscillating, rotating or flashing red or blue lights, which when used in conjunction with an audible horn or siren would indicate that the vehicle is an official police vehicle. Such requirement shall not preclude the use of amber or white oscillating, rotating or flashing lights in conjunction with red or blue oscillating, rotating or flashing lights as required in Section 12-215 of this Code; or

(8) a person, at the same time or within a one year period, to make a false report of the theft or conversion of 3 or more vehicles to any police officer or police officers of this State.

(a-1) A person engaged in the repair or servicing of vehicles does not violate this Chapter by knowingly possessing a manufacturer's identification number plate for the purpose of reaffixing it on the same damaged vehicle from which it was originally taken, if the person reaffixes or intends to reaffix the original manufacturer's identification number plate in place of the identification number plate affixed on a new dashboard that has been or will be installed in the vehicle. The person must notify the Secretary of State each time the original manufacturer's identification number plate is reaffixed on a vehicle. The person must keep a record indicating that the identification number plate affixed on the new dashboard has been removed and has been replaced by the manufacturer's identification number plate originally affixed on the vehicle. The person also must keep a record regarding the status and location of the identification number plate removed from the replacement dashboard. The Secretary shall adopt rules for implementing this subsection (a-1).

(a-2) The owner of a vehicle repaired under subsection (a-1) must, within 90 days of the date of the repairs, contact an officer of the Illinois State Police Vehicle Inspection Bureau and arrange for an inspection of the vehicle, by the officer or the officer's designee, at a mutually agreed upon date and location.

(b) The inference contained in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Section 4-103 of this Code shall apply to subsection (a) of this Section.

(c) A person convicted of violating this Section shall be guilty of a Class 1 felony.

(d) The offenses set forth in subsection (a) of this Section shall not include the offenses set forth in Section 4-103 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 93-456, eff. 8-8-03.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-103.3) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-103.3)

Sec. 4-103.3. Organizer of an aggravated vehicle theft conspiracy.

(a) A person commits the offense of organizer of a vehicle theft conspiracy if:

(1) the person intentionally violates Section 4-103.2 of this Code with the agreement of 3 or more persons; and

(2) the person is known by other co-conspirators as the organizer, supervisor, financier or otherwise leader of the conspiracy.

(b) No person may be convicted of organizer of a vehicle theft conspiracy unless an overt act in furtherance of the agreement is alleged and proved to have been committed by him or by a co-conspirator, and the accused is part of a common plan or scheme to engage in the unlawful activity.

(c) It shall not be a defense to organizer of a vehicle theft conspiracy that the person or persons with whom the accused is alleged to have conspired:

(1) has not been prosecuted or convicted;

(2) has been convicted of a different offense;

(3) is not amenable to justice;

(4) has been acquitted; or

(5) lacked the capacity to commit an offense.

(d) Notwithstanding Section 8-5 of the Criminal Code of 2012, a person may be convicted and sentenced for both the offense of organizer of a vehicle theft conspiracy and any other offense in this Chapter which is the object of the conspiracy.

(e) Organizer of a vehicle theft conspiracy is a Class X felony.

(Source: P.A. 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-104) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-104)

Sec. 4-104. Offenses relating to possession of titles and registration.

(a) It is a violation of this Chapter for:

1. A person to possess without authority any manufacturer's statement of origin, certificate of title, salvage certificate, junking certificate, display certificate of title, registration card, license plate or digital license plate, registration sticker or digital registration sticker, or temporary registration permit, whether blank or otherwise;

2. A person to possess any manufacturer's certificate of origin, salvage certificate, junking certificate, certificate of title, or display certificate without complete assignment;

3. A person to possess any manufacturer's statement of origin, salvage certificate, junking certificate, display certificate or certificate of title, temporary registration permit, registration card, license plate or digital license plate, or registration sticker or digital registration sticker knowing it to have been stolen, converted, altered, forged, or counterfeited;

4. A person to display or affix to a vehicle any certificate of title, manufacturer's statement of origin, salvage certificate, junking certificate, display certificate, temporary registration permit, registration card, license plate or digital license plate, or registration sticker or digital registration sticker not authorized by law for use on such vehicle;

5. A person to permit another, not entitled thereto, to use or have possession of any manufacturer's statement of origin, salvage certificate, junking certificate, display certificate or certificate of title, registration card, license plate or digital license plate, temporary registration permit, or registration sticker or digital registration sticker;

6. A person to fail to mail or deliver to the proper person, within a reasonable period of time after receipt from the Secretary of State, any certificate of title, salvage certificate, junking certificate, display certificate, registration card, temporary registration permit, license plate or digital license plate, or registration sticker or digital registration sticker. If a person mails or delivers reasonable notice to the proper person after receipt from the Secretary of State, a presumption of delivery within a reasonable period of time shall exist; provided, however, the delivery is made, either by mail or otherwise, within 20 days from the date of receipt from the Secretary of State.

(b) Sentence:

1. A person convicted of a violation of subsection 1 or 2 of paragraph (a) of this Section is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

2. A person convicted of a violation of subsection 3 of paragraph (a) of this Section is guilty of a Class 2 felony.

3. A person convicted of a violation of either subsection 4 or 5 of paragraph (a) of this Section is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and upon a second or subsequent conviction of such a violation is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

4. A person convicted of a violation of subsection 6 of paragraph (a) of this Section is guilty of a petty offense.

(Source: P.A. 101-395, eff. 8-16-19; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-105) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-105)

Sec. 4-105. Offenses relating to disposition of titles and registration.

(a) It is a violation of this Chapter for:

1. a person to alter, forge, or counterfeit any manufacturer's statement of origin, certificate of title, salvage certificate, junking certificate, display certificate, registration sticker or digital registration sticker, registration card, or temporary registration permit;

2. a person to alter, forge, or counterfeit an assignment of any manufacturer's statement of origin, certificate of title, salvage certificate or junking certificate;

3. a person to alter, forge, or counterfeit a release of a security interest on any manufacturer's statement of origin, certificate of title, salvage certificate or junking certificate;

4. a person to alter, forge, or counterfeit an application for any certificate of title, salvage certificate, junking certificate, display certificate, registration sticker or digital registration sticker, registration card, temporary registration permit or license plate;

5. a person to use a false or fictitious name or address or altered, forged, counterfeited or stolen manufacturer's identification number, or make a material false statement, or fail to disclose a security interest, or conceal any other material fact on any application for any manufacturer's statement of origin, certificate of title, junking certificate, salvage certificate, registration card, license plate or digital license plate, temporary registration permit, or registration sticker or digital registration sticker, or commit a fraud in connection with any application under this Act;

6. an unauthorized person to have in his possession a blank Illinois certificate of title paper;

7. a person to surrender or cause to be surrendered any certificate of title, salvage or junking certificate in exchange for a certificate of title or other title document from any other state or foreign jurisdiction for the purpose of changing or deleting an "S.V." or "REBUILT" notation, odometer reading, or any other information contained on such Illinois certificate.

(b) Sentence. A person convicted of a violation of this Section shall be guilty of a Class 2 felony.

(Source: P.A. 101-395, eff. 8-16-19; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-105.1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-105.1)

Sec. 4-105.1. Offenses relating to deletion or falsification of information on title document.

(a) It is a violation of this Code for a person to knowingly, with the intent to defraud, surrender or cause to be surrendered any manufacturer's statement of origin, certificate of title, salvage certificate, junking certificate, or other title document, in exchange for a certificate of title or other title document of this State or of any other State or foreign jurisdiction which results in or attempts to result in:

1. The deletion of the words "S.V.", "REBUILT" or similar notation.

2. The falsification of an odometer reading; or

3. The alteration or deletion of any other information required to be contained on such certificate of title or any other title document of any State or foreign jurisdiction.

(b) Presumptions. A title surrendered to another jurisdiction that is subsequently submitted to any person, corporation, or other legal entity, residing or doing business within Illinois, the following presumption shall apply; if the title document fails to contain all of the previous information required by Illinois law, it shall be presumed to have been done so knowingly.

It shall be a rebuttable presumption that any title document surrendered or submitted with a false odometer reading shall be presumed to have been done so knowingly.

(c) Sentence. A person convicted of a violation of this Section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. A person convicted of violating this Section a second or subsequent time shall be guilty of a Class 3 felony.

(Source: P.A. 91-571, eff. 1-1-00.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-105.5) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-105.5)

Sec. 4-105.5. Attempt. As defined in Section 8-4 of the Criminal Code of 2012.

(Source: P.A. 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-106) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-106)

Sec. 4-106. Principals.

It shall be a violation of the provisions of this Chapter for a person, whether present or absent, to aid, abet, induce, procure or cause the commission of an act which, if done directly by him, would constitute a violation of the provisions of this Chapter.

(Source: P.A. 76-1586.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-107) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-107)

Sec. 4-107. Stolen, converted, recovered and unclaimed vehicles.

(a) Every Sheriff, Superintendent of police, Chief of police or other police officer in command of any Police department in any City, Village or Town of the State, shall, by the fastest means of communications available to his law enforcement agency, immediately report to the Illinois State Police, in Springfield, Illinois, the theft or recovery of any stolen or converted vehicle within his district or jurisdiction. The report shall give the date of theft, description of the vehicle including color, year of manufacture, manufacturer's trade name, manufacturer's series name, body style, vehicle identification number and license registration number, including the state in which the license was issued and the year of issuance, together with the name, residence address, business address, and telephone number of the owner. The report shall be routed by the originating law enforcement agency through the Illinois State Police District in which such agency is located.

(b) A registered owner or a lienholder may report the theft by conversion of a vehicle, to the Illinois State Police, or any other police department or Sheriff's office. Such report will be accepted as a report of theft and processed only if a formal complaint is on file and a warrant issued.

(c) An operator of a place of business for garaging, repairing, parking or storing vehicles for the public, in which a vehicle remains unclaimed, after being left for the purpose of garaging, repairing, parking or storage, for a period of 15 days, shall, within 5 days after the expiration of that period, report the vehicle as unclaimed to the municipal police when the vehicle is within the corporate limits of any City, Village or incorporated Town, or the County Sheriff, or State Police when the vehicle is outside the corporate limits of a City, Village or incorporated Town. This Section does not apply to any vehicle:

(1) removed to a place of storage by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction, in accordance with Sections 4-201 and 4-203 of this Act; or

(2) left under a garaging, repairing, parking, or storage order signed by the owner, lessor, or other legally entitled person.

Failure to comply with this Section will result in the forfeiture of storage fees for that vehicle involved.

(d) The Illinois State Police shall keep a complete record of all reports filed under this Section of the Act. Upon receipt of such report, a careful search shall be made of the records of the office of the Illinois State Police, and where it is found that a vehicle reported recovered was stolen in a County, City, Village or Town other than the County, City, Village or Town in which it is recovered, the Illinois State Police shall immediately notify the Sheriff, Superintendent of police, Chief of police, or other police officer in command of the Sheriff's office or Police department of the County, City, Village or Town in which the vehicle was originally reported stolen, giving complete data as to the time and place of recovery.

(e) Notification of the theft or conversion of a vehicle will be furnished to the Secretary of State by the Illinois State Police. The Secretary of State shall place the proper information in the license registration and title registration files to indicate the theft or conversion of a motor vehicle or other vehicle. Notification of the recovery of a vehicle previously reported as a theft or a conversion will be furnished to the Secretary of State by the Illinois State Police. The Secretary of State shall remove the proper information from the license registration and title registration files that has previously indicated the theft or conversion of a vehicle. The Secretary of State shall suspend the registration of a vehicle upon receipt of a report from the Illinois State Police that such vehicle was stolen or converted.

(f) When the Secretary of State receives an application for a certificate of title or an application for registration of a vehicle and it is determined from the records of the office of the Secretary of State that such vehicle has been reported stolen or converted, the Secretary of State shall immediately notify the Illinois State Police or the Secretary of State Department of Police and shall give the Illinois State Police or the Secretary of State Department of Police the name and address of the person or firm titling or registering the vehicle, together with all other information contained in the application submitted by such person or firm. If the Secretary of State Department of Police receives notification under this subsection (f), it shall conduct an investigation concerning the identity of the registered owner of the stolen or converted vehicle.

(g) During the usual course of business the manufacturer of any vehicle shall place an original manufacturer's vehicle identification number on all such vehicles manufactured and on any part of such vehicles requiring an identification number.

(h) Except provided in subsection (h-1), if a manufacturer's vehicle identification number is missing or has been removed, changed or mutilated on any vehicle, or any part of such vehicle requiring an identification number, the Illinois State Police or the Secretary of State Department of Police shall restore, restamp or reaffix the vehicle identification number plate, or affix a new plate bearing the original manufacturer's vehicle identification number on each such vehicle and on all necessary parts of the vehicles. A vehicle identification number so affixed, restored, restamped, reaffixed or replaced is not falsified, altered or forged within the meaning of this Act.

(h-1) A person engaged in the repair or servicing of vehicles may reaffix a manufacturer's identification number plate on the same damaged vehicle from which it was originally removed, if the person reaffixes the original manufacturer's identification number plate in place of the identification number plate affixed on a new dashboard that has been installed in the vehicle. The person must notify the Secretary of State each time the original manufacturer's identification number plate is reaffixed on a vehicle. The person must keep a record indicating that the identification number plate affixed on the new dashboard has been removed and has been replaced by the manufacturer's identification number plate originally affixed on the vehicle. The person also must keep a record regarding the status and location of the identification number plate removed from the replacement dashboard. The Secretary shall adopt rules for implementing this subsection (h-1).

(h-2) The owner of a vehicle repaired under subsection (h-1) must, within 90 days of the date of the repairs, contact an officer of the Illinois State Police Vehicle Inspection Bureau and arrange for an inspection of the vehicle, by the officer or the officer's designee, at a mutually agreed upon date and location.

(i) If a vehicle or part of any vehicle is found to have the manufacturer's identification number removed, altered, defaced or destroyed, the vehicle or part shall be seized by any law enforcement agency having jurisdiction and held for the purpose of identification. In the event that the manufacturer's identification number of a vehicle or part cannot be identified, the vehicle or part shall be considered contraband, and no right of property shall exist in any person owning, leasing or possessing such property, unless the person owning, leasing or possessing the vehicle or part acquired such without knowledge that the manufacturer's vehicle identification number has been removed, altered, defaced, falsified or destroyed.

Either the seizing law enforcement agency or the State's Attorney of the county where the seizure occurred may make an application for an order of forfeiture to the circuit court in the county of seizure. The application for forfeiture shall be independent from any prosecution arising out of the seizure and is not subject to any final determination of such prosecution. The circuit court shall issue an order forfeiting the property to the seizing law enforcement agency if the court finds that the property did not at the time of seizure possess a valid manufacturer's identification number and that the original manufacturer's identification number cannot be ascertained. The seizing law enforcement agency may:

(1) retain the forfeited property for official use; or

(2) sell the forfeited property and distribute the proceeds in accordance with Section 4-211 of this Code, or dispose of the forfeited property in such manner as the law enforcement agency deems appropriate.

(i-1) If a motorcycle is seized under subsection (i), the motorcycle must be returned within 45 days of the date of seizure to the person from whom it was seized, unless (i) criminal charges are pending against that person or (ii) an application for an order of forfeiture has been submitted to the circuit in the county of seizure or (iii) the circuit court in the county of seizure has received from the seizing law enforcement agency and has granted a petition to extend, for a single 30 day period, the 45 days allowed for return of the motorcycle. Except as provided in subsection (i-2), a motorcycle returned to the person from whom it was seized must be returned in essentially the same condition it was in at the time of seizure.

(i-2) If any part or parts of a motorcycle seized under subsection (i) are found to be stolen and are removed, the seizing law enforcement agency is not required to replace the part or parts before returning the motorcycle to the person from whom it was seized.

(j) The Illinois State Police or the Secretary of State Department of Police shall notify the Secretary of State each time a manufacturer's vehicle identification number is affixed, reaffixed, restored or restamped on any vehicle. The Secretary of State shall make the necessary changes or corrections in his records, after the proper applications and fees have been submitted, if applicable.

(k) Any vessel, vehicle or aircraft used with knowledge and consent of the owner in the commission of, or in the attempt to commit as defined in Section 8-4 of the Criminal Code of 2012, an offense prohibited by Section 4-103 of this Chapter, including transporting of a stolen vehicle or stolen vehicle parts, shall be seized by any law enforcement agency. The seizing law enforcement agency may:

(1) return the vehicle to its owner if such vehicle is stolen; or

(2) confiscate the vehicle and retain it for any purpose which the law enforcement agency deems appropriate; or

(3) sell the vehicle at a public sale or dispose of the vehicle in such other manner as the law enforcement agency deems appropriate.

If the vehicle is sold at public sale, the proceeds of the sale shall be paid to the law enforcement agency.

The law enforcement agency shall not retain, sell or dispose of a vehicle under paragraphs (2) or (3) of this subsection (k) except upon an order of forfeiture issued by the circuit court. The circuit court may issue such order of forfeiture upon application of the law enforcement agency or State's Attorney of the county where the law enforcement agency has jurisdiction, or in the case of the Illinois State Police or the Secretary of State, upon application of the Attorney General.

The court shall issue the order if the owner of the vehicle has been convicted of transporting stolen vehicles or stolen vehicle parts and the evidence establishes that the owner's vehicle has been used in the commission of such offense.

The provisions of subsection (k) of this Section shall not apply to any vessel, vehicle or aircraft, which has been leased, rented or loaned by its owner, if the owner did not have knowledge of and consent to the use of the vessel, vehicle or aircraft in the commission of, or in an attempt to commit, an offense prohibited by Section 4-103 of this Chapter.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-108) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-108)

Sec. 4-108. Violations of this Chapter. (a) Any person who violates or aids or abets in the violation of any of the provisions of Section 4-102, 4-103, 4-104 or 4-105 shall be guilty of such offense and be subject to the same sentence as if he had committed the offense himself.

(b) Any person who is convicted of any offense under Chapter 4 of this Act, in addition to any other fines or penalties provided therein, may be required to compensate the victim, if known, involved in the related offense, for any loss that the victim sustains to his person or property.

(c) The amount and method of payment of the compensation award shall be determined at the time of the conviction.

(d) For purposes of this Section, "victim" shall mean the owner or other legally entitled person.

(Source: P.A. 83-1473.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-109)

Sec. 4-109. Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Program. The Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, is hereby authorized to establish and operate a Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Program as follows:

(a) Voluntary program participation.

(b) The registered owner of a motor vehicle interested in participating in the program shall sign an informed consent agreement designed by the Secretary of State under subsection (e) of this Section indicating that the motor vehicle registered to him is not normally operated between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. The form and fee, if any, shall be submitted to the Secretary of State for processing.

(c) Upon processing the form, the Secretary of State shall issue to the registered owner a decal. The registered owner shall affix the decal in a conspicuous place on his motor vehicle as prescribed by the Secretary of State.

(d) Whenever any law enforcement officer shall see a motor vehicle displaying a decal issued under the provisions of subsection (c) of this Section being operated upon the public highways of this State between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., the officer is authorized to stop that motor vehicle and to request the driver to produce a valid driver's license and motor vehicle registration card if required to be carried in the vehicle. Whenever the operator of a motor vehicle displaying a decal is unable to produce the documentation set forth in this Section, the police officer shall investigate further to determine if the person operating the motor vehicle is the registered owner or has the authorization of the owner to operate the vehicle.

(e) The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Director of the Illinois State Police and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, shall design the manner and form of the informed consent agreement required under subsection (b) of this Section and the decal required under subsection (c) of this Section.

(f) The Secretary of State shall provide for the recording of registered owners of motor vehicles who participate in the program. The records shall be available to all law enforcement departments, agencies, and forces. The Secretary of State shall cooperate with and assist all law enforcement officers and other agencies in tracing or examining any questionable motor vehicles in order to determine the ownership of the motor vehicles.

(g) A fee not to exceed $10 may be charged for the informed consent form and decal provided under this Section. The fee, if any, shall be set by the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council and shall be collected by the Secretary of State and deposited into the Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Trust Fund.

(h) The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Director of the Illinois State Police and the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council shall promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 102-904, eff. 1-1-23.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-110)

Sec. 4-110. Stolen vehicle recovery hotline. In a county having a population of 3,000,000 or more, the county sheriff shall establish with other law enforcement agencies a vehicle theft hotline to facilitate interaction with vehicle manufacturers and vehicle location vendors consistent with the Freedom From Location Surveillance Act. The county sheriff shall collaborate with vehicle manufacturers, dealers, and vehicle location vendors to provide information and assistance to law enforcement officers in the investigation of a vehicular hijacking or kidnapping incident and ensure that consumers are provided with information concerning the hotline, new or used vehicles manufactured with stolen vehicle locator capabilities, and how consumers can activate stolen vehicle locator services by publishing the information in a conspicuous location on the county sheriff's website.

(Source: P.A. 103-300, eff. 1-1-24.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-111)

Sec. 4-111. Manufacturer's vehicle incident hotline; law enforcement verification; manufacturer statements.

(a) Unless the manufacturer or its vehicle location vendor operates an existing vehicle location service line, a manufacturer of any vehicle sold in this State shall maintain a telephone number that is staffed and available to State, county, and local law enforcement agencies and their respective 9-1-1 system call centers or designated dispatch centers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist law enforcement with locating vehicles in the investigation of vehicles stolen in vehicular hijacking incidents or that have been used in the commission of a kidnapping. The hotline for the manufacturer or the manufacturer's vehicle location vendor shall relay vehicle location information, including real-time vehicle location information whenever reasonably possible, to the 9-1-1 call center or designated dispatch center or sworn law enforcement personnel for any of the responding law enforcement agencies, to the best of the manufacturer's or vehicle location vendor's technical capability when:

(1) a warrant or other court order has been issued relating to the vehicle's location information and provided to the manufacturer or the vehicle location vendor; or

(2) the vehicle owner lawfully consents to the vehicle location information being shared with the 9-1-1 call center or designated dispatch center and responding law enforcement officials; or

(3) the 9-1-1 call center or designated dispatch center or responding law enforcement officials:

(A) provides adequate verification to the manufacturer or the vehicle location vendor, of their identity as law enforcement and the identity of the responding law enforcement official; and

(B) the responding law enforcement officials shall certify to the manufacturer or the vehicle location vendor, that the situation involves a clear and present danger of death or great bodily harm to persons resulting from the vehicular hijacking or kidnapping incident.

(b) State, county, and local law enforcement agencies shall use their respective 9-1-1 system call centers or designated dispatch centers for the purpose of verification of law enforcement officers' identities and bona fide incident report numbers related to incidents.

(c) If a vehicle is equipped with functioning vehicle location tracking capability, but the capability is not currently activated, the manufacturer or the vehicle location vendor shall waive all fees associated with initiating, renewing, reestablishing, or maintaining the vehicle location service the vehicle is equipped with during the investigation of the vehicle being stolen in a vehicular hijacking incident or being used in the commission of kidnapping incident when law enforcement has confirmed that the situation involves a clear and present danger of death or great bodily harm to persons as described in paragraph (3) of subsection (a) and requires disclosure of vehicle location information without delay.

(d) A vehicle manufacturer or a subsidiary, vendor, employee, officer, director, representative, or contractor of the vehicle manufacturer shall not be liable and no cause of action shall arise under the laws of this State for providing, or in good faith attempting to provide, information or assistance to a law enforcement agency, 9-1-1 call center, or designated dispatch center pursuant to the mechanisms and processes established under this Section.

(Source: P.A. 103-300, eff. 1-1-24.)

(625 ILCS 5/Ch. 4 Art. II heading) ARTICLE II. ABANDONED, LOST, STOLEN OR UNCLAIMED VEHICLES

(625 ILCS 5/4-201) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-201)

Sec. 4-201. Abandonment of vehicles prohibited.

(a) The abandonment of a vehicle or any part thereof on any highway in this State is unlawful and subject to penalties as set forth under Penalty Section 4-214 of this Chapter.

(b) The abandonment of a vehicle or any part thereof on private or public property, other than a highway, in view of the general public, anywhere in this State is unlawful except on property of the owner or bailee of such abandoned vehicle. A vehicle or any part thereof so abandoned on private property shall be authorized for removal, by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction, after a waiting period of 7 days or more, or may be removed immediately if determined to be a hazardous dilapidated motor vehicle under Section 11-40-3.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code. A violation of subsections (a) or (b) of this Section is subject to penalties as set forth under Section 4-214 of this Chapter.

(c) A towing service may begin to process an unclaimed vehicle as abandoned by requesting a record search by the Secretary of State up to 10 days after the date of the tow, or any later date acceptable to the Secretary of State. This subsection (c) shall not apply to vehicles towed by order or authorization of a law enforcement agency.

(Source: P.A. 90-330, eff. 8-8-97.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-202) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-202)

Sec. 4-202. Abandoned, lost, stolen or unclaimed vehicle notification to law enforcement agencies. When an abandoned, lost, stolen or unclaimed vehicle comes into the temporary possession or custody of a person in this State, not the owner of the vehicle, such person shall immediately notify the municipal police when the vehicle is within the corporate limits of any city, village or town having a duly authorized police department, or the State Police or the county sheriff when the vehicle is outside the corporate limits of a city, village or town. Upon receipt of such notification, the municipal police, Illinois State Police or county sheriff will authorize a towing service to remove and take possession of the abandoned, lost, stolen or unclaimed vehicle. The towing service will safely keep the towed vehicle and its contents, maintain a record of the tow as set forth in Section 4-204 for law enforcement agencies, until the vehicle is claimed by the owner or any other person legally entitled to possession thereof or until it is disposed of as provided in this Chapter.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-203) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-203)

(Text of Section from P.A. 103-154)

Sec. 4-203. Removal of motor vehicles or other vehicles; towing or hauling away.

(a) When a vehicle is abandoned, or left unattended, on a toll highway, interstate highway, or expressway for 2 hours or more, its removal by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

(b) When a vehicle is abandoned on a highway in an urban district for 10 hours or more, its removal by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

(c) When a vehicle is abandoned or left unattended on a highway other than a toll highway, interstate highway, or expressway, outside of an urban district for 24 hours or more, its removal by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

(d) When an abandoned, unattended, wrecked, burned, or partially dismantled vehicle is creating a traffic hazard because of its position in relation to the highway or its physical appearance is causing the impeding of traffic, its immediate removal from the highway or private property adjacent to the highway by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

(e) Whenever a peace officer reasonably believes that a person under arrest for a violation of Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance is likely, upon release, to commit a subsequent violation of Section 11-501, or a similar provision of a local ordinance, the arresting officer shall have the vehicle which the person was operating at the time of the arrest impounded for a period of 12 hours after the time of arrest. However, such vehicle may be released by the arresting law enforcement agency prior to the end of the impoundment period if:

(1) the vehicle was not owned by the person under arrest, and the lawful owner requesting such release possesses a valid operator's license, proof of ownership, and would not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency, indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner, or who would otherwise, by operating such motor vehicle, be in violation of this Code; or

(2) the vehicle is owned by the person under arrest, and the person under arrest gives permission to another person to operate such vehicle, provided however, that the other person possesses a valid operator's license and would not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency, indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner or who would otherwise, by operating such motor vehicle, be in violation of this Code.

(e-5) Whenever a registered owner of a vehicle is taken into custody for operating the vehicle in violation of Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or Section 6-303 of this Code, a law enforcement officer may have the vehicle immediately impounded for a period not less than:

(1) 24 hours for a second violation of Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or Section 6-303 of this Code or a combination of these offenses; or

(2) 48 hours for a third violation of Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or Section 6-303 of this Code or a combination of these offenses.

The vehicle may be released sooner if the vehicle is owned by the person under arrest and the person under arrest gives permission to another person to operate the vehicle and that other person possesses a valid operator's license and would not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency, indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner or would otherwise, by operating the motor vehicle, be in violation of this Code.

(f) Except as provided in Chapter 18a of this Code, the owner or lessor of privately owned real property within this State, or any person authorized by such owner or lessor, or any law enforcement agency in the case of publicly owned real property may cause any motor vehicle abandoned or left unattended upon such property without permission to be removed by a towing service without liability for the costs of removal, transportation or storage or damage caused by such removal, transportation or storage. The towing or removal of any vehicle from private property without the consent of the registered owner or other legally authorized person in control of the vehicle is subject to compliance with the following conditions and restrictions:

1. Any towed or removed vehicle must be stored at the site of the towing service's place of business. The site must be open during business hours, and for the purpose of redemption of vehicles, during the time that the person or firm towing such vehicle is open for towing purposes.

2. The towing service shall within 30 minutes of completion of such towing or removal, notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction of such towing or removal, and the make, model, color, and license plate number of the vehicle, and shall obtain and record the name of the person at the law enforcement agency to whom such information was reported.

3. If the registered owner or legally authorized person entitled to possession of the vehicle shall arrive at the scene prior to actual removal or towing of the vehicle, the vehicle shall be disconnected from the tow truck and that person shall be allowed to remove the vehicle without interference, upon the payment of a reasonable service fee of not more than one-half the posted rate of the towing service as provided in paragraph 6 of this subsection, for which a receipt shall be given.

4. The rebate or payment of money or any other valuable consideration from the towing service or its owners, managers, or employees to the owners or operators of the premises from which the vehicles are towed or removed, for the privilege of removing or towing those vehicles, is prohibited. Any individual who violates this paragraph shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

5. Except for property appurtenant to and obviously a part of a single family residence, and except for instances where notice is personally given to the owner or other legally authorized person in control of the vehicle that the area in which that vehicle is parked is reserved or otherwise unavailable to unauthorized vehicles and they are subject to being removed at the owner or operator's expense, any property owner or lessor, prior to towing or removing any vehicle from private property without the consent of the owner or other legally authorized person in control of that vehicle, must post a notice meeting the following requirements:

a. Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph a.1 of this subdivision (f)5, the notice must be prominently placed at each driveway access or curb cut allowing vehicular access to the property within 5 feet from the public right-of-way line. If there are no curbs or access barriers, the sign must be posted not less than one sign each 100 feet of lot frontage.

a.1. In a municipality with a population of less than 250,000, as an alternative to the requirement of subparagraph a of this subdivision (f)5, the notice for a parking lot contained within property used solely for a 2-family, 3-family, or 4-family residence may be prominently placed at the perimeter of the parking lot, in a position where the notice is visible to the occupants of vehicles entering the lot.

b. The notice must indicate clearly, in not less than 2 inch high light-reflective letters on a contrasting background, that unauthorized vehicles will be towed away at the owner's expense.

c. The notice must also provide the name and current telephone number of the towing service towing or removing the vehicle.

d. The sign structure containing the required notices must be permanently installed with the bottom of the sign not less than 4 feet above ground level, and must be continuously maintained on the property for not less than 24 hours prior to the towing or removing of any vehicle.

6. Any towing service that tows or removes vehicles and proposes to require the owner, operator, or person in control of the vehicle to pay the costs of towing and storage prior to redemption of the vehicle must file and keep on record with the local law enforcement agency a complete copy of the current rates to be charged for such services, and post at the storage site an identical rate schedule and any written contracts with property owners, lessors, or persons in control of property which authorize them to remove vehicles as provided in this Section. The towing and storage charges, however, shall not exceed the maximum allowed by the Illinois Commerce Commission under Section 18a-200.

7. No person shall engage in the removal of vehicles from private property as described in this Section without filing a notice of intent in each community where he intends to do such removal, and such notice shall be filed at least 7 days before commencing such towing.

8. No removal of a vehicle from private property shall be done except upon express written instructions of the owners or persons in charge of the private property upon which the vehicle is said to be trespassing.

9. Vehicle entry for the purpose of removal shall be allowed with reasonable care on the part of the person or firm towing the vehicle. Such person or firm shall be liable for any damages occasioned to the vehicle if such entry is not in accordance with the standards of reasonable care.

9.5. Except as authorized by a law enforcement officer, no towing service shall engage in the removal of a commercial motor vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license to operate by operating the vehicle under its own power on a highway.

10. When a vehicle has been towed or removed pursuant to this Section, it must be released to its owner, custodian, agent, or lienholder within one-half hour after requested, if such request is made during business hours. Any vehicle owner, custodian, agent, or lienholder shall have the right to inspect the vehicle before accepting its return, and no release or waiver of any kind which would release the towing service from liability for damages incurred during the towing and storage may be required from any vehicle owner or other legally authorized person as a condition of release of the vehicle. A detailed, signed receipt showing the legal name of the towing service must be given to the person paying towing or storage charges at the time of payment, whether requested or not.

This Section shall not apply to law enforcement, firefighting, rescue, ambulance, or other emergency vehicles which are marked as such or to property owned by any governmental entity.

When an authorized person improperly causes a motor vehicle to be removed, such person shall be liable to the owner or lessee of the vehicle for the cost of removal, transportation and storage, any damages resulting from the removal, transportation and storage, attorney's fee and court costs.

Any towing or storage charges accrued shall be payable in cash or by cashier's check, certified check, debit card, credit card, or wire transfer, at the option of the party taking possession of the vehicle.

11. Towing companies shall also provide insurance coverage for areas where vehicles towed under the provisions of this Chapter will be impounded or otherwise stored, and shall adequately cover loss by fire, theft, or other risks.

Any person who fails to comply with the conditions and restrictions of this subsection shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500.

(g)(1) When a vehicle is determined to be a hazardous dilapidated motor vehicle pursuant to Section 11-40-3.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code or Section 5-12002.1 of the Counties Code, its removal and impoundment by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency with appropriate jurisdiction.

(2) When a vehicle removal from either public or private property is authorized by a law enforcement agency, the owner of the vehicle shall be responsible for all towing and storage charges.

(3) Vehicles removed from public or private property and stored by a commercial vehicle relocator or any other towing service authorized by a law enforcement agency in compliance with this Section and Sections 4-201 and 4-202 of this Code, or at the request of the vehicle owner or operator, shall be subject to a possessor lien for services pursuant to the Labor and Storage Lien (Small Amount) Act. The provisions of Section 1 of that Act relating to notice and implied consent shall be deemed satisfied by compliance with Section 18a-302 and subsection (6) of Section 18a-300. In no event shall such lien be greater than the rate or rates established in accordance with subsection (6) of Section 18a-200 of this Code. In no event shall such lien be increased or altered to reflect any charge for services or materials rendered in addition to those authorized by this Code. Every such lien shall be payable in cash or by cashier's check, certified check, debit card, credit card, or wire transfer, at the option of the party taking possession of the vehicle.

(4) Any personal property belonging to the vehicle owner in a vehicle subject to a lien under this subsection (g) shall likewise be subject to that lien, excepting only: child restraint systems as defined in Section 4 of the Child Passenger Protection Act and other child booster seats; eyeglasses; food; medicine; perishable property; any operator's licenses; any cash, credit cards, or checks or checkbooks; any wallet, purse, or other property containing any operator's license or other identifying documents or materials, cash, credit cards, checks, or checkbooks; and any personal property belonging to a person other than the vehicle owner if that person provides adequate proof that the personal property belongs to that person. The spouse, child, mother, father, brother, or sister of the vehicle owner may claim personal property excepted under this paragraph (4) if the person claiming the personal property provides the commercial vehicle relocator or towing service with the authorization of the vehicle owner.

(5) This paragraph (5) applies only in the case of a vehicle that is towed as a result of being involved in a crash. In addition to the personal property excepted under paragraph (4), all other personal property in a vehicle subject to a lien under this subsection (g) is exempt from that lien and may be claimed by the vehicle owner if the vehicle owner provides the commercial vehicle relocator or towing service with proof that the vehicle owner has an insurance policy covering towing and storage fees. The spouse, child, mother, father, brother, or sister of the vehicle owner may claim personal property in a vehicle subject to a lien under this subsection (g) if the person claiming the personal property provides the commercial vehicle relocator or towing service with the authorization of the vehicle owner and proof that the vehicle owner has an insurance policy covering towing and storage fees. The regulation of liens on personal property and exceptions to those liens in the case of vehicles towed as a result of being involved in a crash are exclusive powers and functions of the State. A home rule unit may not regulate liens on personal property and exceptions to those liens in the case of vehicles towed as a result of being involved in a crash. This paragraph (5) is a denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution.

(6) No lien under this subsection (g) shall: exceed $2,000 in its total amount; or be increased or altered to reflect any charge for services or materials rendered in addition to those authorized by this Code.

(h) Whenever a peace officer issues a citation to a driver for a violation of subsection (a) of Section 11-506 of this Code, the arresting officer may have the vehicle which the person was operating at the time of the arrest impounded for a period of 5 days after the time of arrest. An impounding agency shall release a motor vehicle impounded under this subsection (h) to the registered owner of the vehicle under any of the following circumstances:

(1) if the vehicle is a stolen vehicle; or

(2) if the person ticketed for a violation of subsection (a) of Section 11-506 of this Code was not authorized by the registered owner of the vehicle to operate the vehicle at the time of the violation; or

(3) if the registered owner of the vehicle was neither the driver nor a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the violation or was unaware that the driver was using the vehicle to engage in street racing; or

(4) if the legal owner or registered owner of the vehicle is a rental car agency; or

(5) if, prior to the expiration of the impoundment period specified above, the citation is dismissed or the defendant is found not guilty of the offense.

(i) Except for vehicles exempted under subsection (b) of Section 7-601 of this Code, whenever a law enforcement officer issues a citation to a driver for a violation of Section 3-707 of this Code, and the driver has a prior conviction for a violation of Section 3-707 of this Code in the past 12 months, the arresting officer shall authorize the removal and impoundment of the vehicle by a towing service.

(Source: P.A. 102-982, eff. 7-1-23; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23.)

(Text of Section from P.A. 103-706)

Sec. 4-203. Removal of motor vehicles or other vehicles; towing or hauling away.

(a) When a vehicle is abandoned, or left unattended, on a toll highway, interstate highway, or expressway for 2 hours or more, its removal by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

(b) When a vehicle is abandoned on a highway in an urban district for 10 hours or more, its removal by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

(c) When a vehicle is abandoned or left unattended on a highway other than a toll highway, interstate highway, or expressway, outside of an urban district for 24 hours or more, its removal by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

(d) When an abandoned, unattended, wrecked, burned, or partially dismantled vehicle is creating a traffic hazard because of its position in relation to the highway or its physical appearance is causing the impeding of traffic, its immediate removal from the highway or private property adjacent to the highway by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

(e) Whenever a peace officer reasonably believes that a person under arrest for a violation of Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance is likely, upon release, to commit a subsequent violation of Section 11-501, or a similar provision of a local ordinance, the arresting officer shall have the vehicle which the person was operating at the time of the arrest impounded for a period of 12 hours after the time of arrest. However, such vehicle may be released by the arresting law enforcement agency prior to the end of the impoundment period if:

(1) the vehicle was not owned by the person under arrest, and the lawful owner requesting such release possesses a valid operator's license, proof of ownership, and would not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency, indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner, or who would otherwise, by operating such motor vehicle, be in violation of this Code; or

(2) the vehicle is owned by the person under arrest, and the person under arrest gives permission to another person to operate such vehicle, provided however, that the other person possesses a valid operator's license and would not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency, indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner or who would otherwise, by operating such motor vehicle, be in violation of this Code.

(e-5) Whenever a registered owner of a vehicle is taken into custody for operating the vehicle in violation of Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or Section 6-303 of this Code, a law enforcement officer may have the vehicle immediately impounded for a period not less than:

(1) 24 hours for a second violation of Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or Section 6-303 of this Code or a combination of these offenses; or

(2) 48 hours for a third violation of Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or Section 6-303 of this Code or a combination of these offenses.

The vehicle may be released sooner if the vehicle is owned by the person under arrest and the person under arrest gives permission to another person to operate the vehicle and that other person possesses a valid operator's license and would not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency, indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner or would otherwise, by operating the motor vehicle, be in violation of this Code.

(f) Except as provided in Chapter 18a of this Code, the owner or lessor of privately owned real property within this State, or any person authorized by such owner or lessor, or any law enforcement agency in the case of publicly owned real property may cause any motor vehicle abandoned or left unattended upon such property without permission to be removed by a towing service without liability for the costs of removal, transportation or storage or damage caused by such removal, transportation or storage. The towing or removal of any vehicle from private property without the consent of the registered owner or other legally authorized person in control of the vehicle is subject to compliance with the following conditions and restrictions:

1. Any towed or removed vehicle must be stored at the site of the towing service's place of business. The site must be open during business hours, and for the purpose of redemption of vehicles, during the time that the person or firm towing such vehicle is open for towing purposes.

2. The towing service shall within 30 minutes of completion of such towing or removal, notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction of such towing or removal, and the make, model, color, and license plate number of the vehicle, and shall obtain and record the name of the person at the law enforcement agency to whom such information was reported.

3. If the registered owner or legally authorized person entitled to possession of the vehicle shall arrive at the scene prior to actual removal or towing of the vehicle, the vehicle shall be disconnected from the tow truck and that person shall be allowed to remove the vehicle without interference, upon the payment of a reasonable service fee of not more than one-half the posted rate of the towing service as provided in paragraph 6 of this subsection, for which a receipt shall be given.

4. The rebate or payment of money or any other valuable consideration from the towing service or its owners, managers, or employees to the owners or operators of the premises from which the vehicles are towed or removed, for the privilege of removing or towing those vehicles, is prohibited. Any individual who violates this paragraph shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

5. Except for property appurtenant to and obviously a part of a single family residence, and except for instances where notice is personally given to the owner or other legally authorized person in control of the vehicle that the area in which that vehicle is parked is reserved or otherwise unavailable to unauthorized vehicles and they are subject to being removed at the owner or operator's expense, any property owner or lessor, prior to towing or removing any vehicle from private property without the consent of the owner or other legally authorized person in control of that vehicle, must post a notice meeting the following requirements:

a. Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph a.1 of this subdivision (f)5, the notice must be prominently placed at each driveway access or curb cut allowing vehicular access to the property within 5 feet from the public right-of-way line. If there are no curbs or access barriers, the sign must be posted not less than one sign each 100 feet of lot frontage.

a.1. In a municipality with a population of less than 250,000, as an alternative to the requirement of subparagraph a of this subdivision (f)5, the notice for a parking lot contained within property used solely for a 2-family, 3-family, or 4-family residence may be prominently placed at the perimeter of the parking lot, in a position where the notice is visible to the occupants of vehicles entering the lot.

b. The notice must indicate clearly, in not less than 2 inch high light-reflective letters on a contrasting background, that unauthorized vehicles will be towed away at the owner's expense.

c. The notice must also provide the name and current telephone number of the towing service towing or removing the vehicle.

d. The sign structure containing the required notices must be permanently installed with the bottom of the sign not less than 4 feet above ground level, and must be continuously maintained on the property for not less than 24 hours prior to the towing or removing of any vehicle.

6. Any towing service that tows or removes vehicles and proposes to require the owner, operator, or person in control of the vehicle to pay the costs of towing and storage prior to redemption of the vehicle must file and keep on record with the local law enforcement agency a complete copy of the current rates to be charged for such services, and post at the storage site an identical rate schedule and any written contracts with property owners, lessors, or persons in control of property which authorize them to remove vehicles as provided in this Section. The towing and storage charges, however, shall not exceed the maximum allowed by the Illinois Commerce Commission under Section 18a-200.

7. No person shall engage in the removal of vehicles from private property as described in this Section without filing a notice of intent in each community where he intends to do such removal, and such notice shall be filed at least 7 days before commencing such towing.

8. No removal of a vehicle from private property shall be done except upon express written instructions of the owners or persons in charge of the private property upon which the vehicle is said to be trespassing.

9. Vehicle entry for the purpose of removal shall be allowed with reasonable care on the part of the person or firm towing the vehicle. Such person or firm shall be liable for any damages occasioned to the vehicle if such entry is not in accordance with the standards of reasonable care.

9.5. Except as authorized by a law enforcement officer, no towing service shall engage in the removal of a commercial motor vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license to operate by operating the vehicle under its own power on a highway.

10. When a vehicle has been towed or removed pursuant to this Section, it must be released to its owner, custodian, agent, or lienholder within one-half hour after requested, if such request is made during business hours. Any vehicle owner, custodian, agent, or lienholder shall have the right to inspect the vehicle before accepting its return, and no release or waiver of any kind which would release the towing service from liability for damages incurred during the towing and storage may be required from any vehicle owner or other legally authorized person as a condition of release of the vehicle. A detailed, signed receipt showing the legal name of the towing service must be given to the person paying towing or storage charges at the time of payment, whether requested or not.

This Section shall not apply to law enforcement, firefighting, rescue, ambulance, or other emergency vehicles which are marked as such or to property owned by any governmental entity.

When an authorized person improperly causes a motor vehicle to be removed, such person shall be liable to the owner or lessee of the vehicle for the cost of removal, transportation and storage, any damages resulting from the removal, transportation and storage, attorney's fee and court costs.

Any towing or storage charges accrued shall be payable in cash or by cashier's check, certified check, debit card, credit card, or wire transfer, at the option of the party taking possession of the vehicle.

11. Towing companies shall also provide insurance coverage for areas where vehicles towed under the provisions of this Chapter will be impounded or otherwise stored, and shall adequately cover loss by fire, theft, or other risks.

Any person who fails to comply with the conditions and restrictions of this subsection shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500.

(g)(1) When a vehicle is determined to be a hazardous dilapidated motor vehicle pursuant to Section 11-40-3.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code or Section 5-12002.1 of the Counties Code, its removal and impoundment by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency with appropriate jurisdiction.

(2) When a vehicle removal from either public or private property is authorized by a law enforcement agency, the owner of the vehicle shall be responsible for all towing and storage charges.

(3) Vehicles removed from public or private property and stored by a commercial vehicle relocator or any other towing service authorized by a law enforcement agency in compliance with this Section and Sections 4-201 and 4-202 of this Code, or at the request of the vehicle owner or operator, shall be subject to a possessor lien for services pursuant to the Labor and Storage Lien (Small Amount) Act. The provisions of Section 1 of that Act relating to notice and implied consent shall be deemed satisfied by compliance with Section 18a-302 and subsection (6) of Section 18a-300. In no event shall such lien be greater than the rate or rates established in accordance with subsection (6) of Section 18a-200 of this Code. In no event shall such lien be increased or altered to reflect any charge for services or materials rendered in addition to those authorized by this Code. Every such lien shall be payable in cash or by cashier's check, certified check, debit card, credit card, or wire transfer, at the option of the party taking possession of the vehicle.

(4) Any personal property belonging to the vehicle owner in a vehicle subject to a lien under this subsection (g) shall likewise be subject to that lien, excepting only: child restraint systems as defined in Section 4 of the Child Passenger Protection Act and other child booster seats; eyeglasses; food; medicine; perishable property; any operator's licenses; any cash, credit cards, or checks or checkbooks; any wallet, purse, or other property containing any operator's license or other identifying documents or materials, cash, credit cards, checks, or checkbooks; and any personal property belonging to a person other than the vehicle owner if that person provides adequate proof that the personal property belongs to that person. The spouse, child, mother, father, brother, or sister of the vehicle owner may claim personal property excepted under this paragraph (4) if the person claiming the personal property provides the commercial vehicle relocator or towing service with the authorization of the vehicle owner.

(5) This paragraph (5) applies only in the case of a vehicle that is towed as a result of being involved in a crash. In addition to the personal property excepted under paragraph (4), all other personal property in a vehicle subject to a lien under this subsection (g) is exempt from that lien and may be claimed by the vehicle owner if the vehicle owner provides the commercial vehicle relocator or towing service with proof that the vehicle owner has an insurance policy covering towing and storage fees. The spouse, child, mother, father, brother, or sister of the vehicle owner may claim personal property in a vehicle subject to a lien under this subsection (g) if the person claiming the personal property provides the commercial vehicle relocator or towing service with the authorization of the vehicle owner and proof that the vehicle owner has an insurance policy covering towing and storage fees. The regulation of liens on personal property and exceptions to those liens in the case of vehicles towed as a result of being involved in a crash are exclusive powers and functions of the State. A home rule unit may not regulate liens on personal property and exceptions to those liens in the case of vehicles towed as a result of being involved in a crash. This paragraph (5) is a denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution.

(6) No lien under this subsection (g) shall: exceed $2,000 in its total amount; or be increased or altered to reflect any charge for services or materials rendered in addition to those authorized by this Code.

(h) Whenever a peace officer issues a citation to a driver for a violation of subsection (a), (a-5), or (b-5) of Section 11-506 of this Code or for a violation of paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Section 11-503 of this Code, the arresting officer may have the vehicle which the person was operating at the time of the arrest impounded for a period of 5 days after the time of arrest. An impounding agency shall release a motor vehicle impounded under this subsection (h) to the registered owner of the vehicle under any of the following circumstances:

(1) if the vehicle is a stolen vehicle; or

(2) if the person ticketed for a violation of subsection (a), (a-5), or (b-5) of Section 11-506 or paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Section 11-503 of this Code was not authorized by the registered owner of the vehicle to operate the vehicle at the time of the violation; or

(3) if the registered owner of the vehicle was neither the driver nor a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the violation or was unaware that the driver was using the vehicle to engage in street racing, street sideshow, or reckless driving; or

(4) if the legal owner or registered owner of the vehicle is a rental car agency; or

(5) if, prior to the expiration of the impoundment period specified above, the citation is dismissed or the defendant is found not guilty of the offense.

(i) Except for vehicles exempted under subsection (b) of Section 7-601 of this Code, whenever a law enforcement officer issues a citation to a driver for a violation of Section 3-707 of this Code, and the driver has a prior conviction for a violation of Section 3-707 of this Code in the past 12 months, the arresting officer shall authorize the removal and impoundment of the vehicle by a towing service.

(Source: P.A. 102-982, eff. 7-1-23; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23; 103-706, eff. 1-1-25.)

(Text of Section from P.A. 103-756)

Sec. 4-203. Removal of motor vehicles or other vehicles; towing or hauling away.

(a) When a vehicle is abandoned, or left unattended, on a toll highway, interstate highway, or expressway for 2 hours or more, its removal by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

(b) When a vehicle is abandoned on a highway in an urban district for 10 hours or more, its removal by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

(c) When a vehicle is abandoned or left unattended on a highway other than a toll highway, interstate highway, or expressway, outside of an urban district for 24 hours or more, its removal by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

(d) When an abandoned, unattended, wrecked, burned, or partially dismantled vehicle is creating a traffic hazard because of its position in relation to the highway or its physical appearance is causing the impeding of traffic, its immediate removal from the highway or private property adjacent to the highway by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.

(e) Whenever a peace officer reasonably believes that a person under arrest for a violation of Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance is likely, upon release, to commit a subsequent violation of Section 11-501, or a similar provision of a local ordinance, the arresting officer shall have the vehicle which the person was operating at the time of the arrest impounded for a period of 12 hours after the time of arrest. However, such vehicle may be released by the arresting law enforcement agency prior to the end of the impoundment period if:

(1) the vehicle was not owned by the person under arrest, and the lawful owner requesting such release possesses a valid operator's license, proof of ownership, and would not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency, indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner, or who would otherwise, by operating such motor vehicle, be in violation of this Code; or

(2) the vehicle is owned by the person under arrest, and the person under arrest gives permission to another person to operate such vehicle, provided however, that the other person possesses a valid operator's license and would not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency, indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner or who would otherwise, by operating such motor vehicle, be in violation of this Code.

(e-5) Whenever a registered owner of a vehicle is taken into custody for operating the vehicle in violation of Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or Section 6-303 of this Code, a law enforcement officer may have the vehicle immediately impounded for a period not less than:

(1) 24 hours for a second violation of Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or Section 6-303 of this Code or a combination of these offenses; or

(2) 48 hours for a third violation of Section 11-501 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance or Section 6-303 of this Code or a combination of these offenses.

The vehicle may be released sooner if the vehicle is owned by the person under arrest and the person under arrest gives permission to another person to operate the vehicle and that other person possesses a valid operator's license and would not, as determined by the arresting law enforcement agency, indicate a lack of ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner or would otherwise, by operating the motor vehicle, be in violation of this Code.

(f) Except as provided in Chapter 18a of this Code, the owner or lessor of privately owned real property within this State, or any person authorized by such owner or lessor, or any law enforcement agency in the case of publicly owned real property may cause any motor vehicle abandoned or left unattended upon such property without permission to be removed by a towing service without liability for the costs of removal, transportation or storage or damage caused by such removal, transportation or storage. The towing or removal of any vehicle from private property without the consent of the registered owner or other legally authorized person in control of the vehicle is subject to compliance with the following conditions and restrictions:

1. Any towed or removed vehicle must be stored at the site of the towing service's place of business. The site must be open during business hours, and for the purpose of redemption of vehicles, during the time that the person or firm towing such vehicle is open for towing purposes.

2. The towing service shall within 30 minutes of completion of such towing or removal, notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction of such towing or removal, and the make, model, color, and license plate number of the vehicle, and shall obtain and record the name of the person at the law enforcement agency to whom such information was reported.

3. If the registered owner or legally authorized person entitled to possession of the vehicle shall arrive at the scene prior to actual removal or towing of the vehicle, the vehicle shall be disconnected from the tow truck and that person shall be allowed to remove the vehicle without interference, upon the payment of a reasonable service fee of not more than one-half the posted rate of the towing service as provided in paragraph 6 of this subsection, for which a receipt shall be given.

4. The rebate or payment of money or any other valuable consideration from the towing service or its owners, managers, or employees to the owners or operators of the premises from which the vehicles are towed or removed, for the privilege of removing or towing those vehicles, is prohibited. Any individual who violates this paragraph shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

5. Except for property appurtenant to and obviously a part of a single family residence, and except for instances where notice is personally given to the owner or other legally authorized person in control of the vehicle that the area in which that vehicle is parked is reserved or otherwise unavailable to unauthorized vehicles and they are subject to being removed at the owner or operator's expense, any property owner or lessor, prior to towing or removing any vehicle from private property without the consent of the owner or other legally authorized person in control of that vehicle, must post a notice meeting the following requirements:

a. Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph a.1 of this subdivision (f)5, the notice must be prominently placed at each driveway access or curb cut allowing vehicular access to the property within 5 feet from the public right-of-way line. If there are no curbs or access barriers, the sign must be posted not less than one sign each 100 feet of lot frontage.

a.1. In a municipality with a population of less than 250,000, as an alternative to the requirement of subparagraph a of this subdivision (f)5, the notice for a parking lot contained within property used solely for a 2-family, 3-family, or 4-family residence may be prominently placed at the perimeter of the parking lot, in a position where the notice is visible to the occupants of vehicles entering the lot.

b. The notice must indicate clearly, in not less than 2 inch high light-reflective letters on a contrasting background, that unauthorized vehicles will be towed away at the owner's expense.

c. The notice must also provide the name and current telephone number of the towing service towing or removing the vehicle.

d. The sign structure containing the required notices must be permanently installed with the bottom of the sign not less than 4 feet above ground level, and must be continuously maintained on the property for not less than 24 hours prior to the towing or removing of any vehicle.

6. Any towing service that tows or removes vehicles and proposes to require the owner, operator, or person in control of the vehicle to pay the costs of towing and storage prior to redemption of the vehicle must file and keep on record with the local law enforcement agency a complete copy of the current rates to be charged for such services, and post at the storage site an identical rate schedule and any written contracts with property owners, lessors, or persons in control of property which authorize them to remove vehicles as provided in this Section. The towing and storage charges, however, shall not exceed the maximum allowed by the Illinois Commerce Commission under Section 18a-200.

7. No person shall engage in the removal of vehicles from private property as described in this Section without filing a notice of intent in each community where he intends to do such removal, and such notice shall be filed at least 7 days before commencing such towing.

8. No removal of a vehicle from private property shall be done except upon express written instructions of the owners or persons in charge of the private property upon which the vehicle is said to be trespassing.

9. Vehicle entry for the purpose of removal shall be allowed with reasonable care on the part of the person or firm towing the vehicle. Such person or firm shall be liable for any damages occasioned to the vehicle if such entry is not in accordance with the standards of reasonable care.

9.5. Except as authorized by a law enforcement officer, no towing service shall engage in the removal of a commercial motor vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license to operate by operating the vehicle under its own power on a highway.

10. When a vehicle has been towed or removed pursuant to this Section, it must be released to its owner, custodian, agent, or lienholder within one-half hour after requested, if such request is made during business hours. Any vehicle owner, custodian, agent, or lienholder shall have the right to inspect the vehicle before accepting its return, and no release or waiver of any kind which would release the towing service from liability for damages incurred during the towing and storage may be required from any vehicle owner or other legally authorized person as a condition of release of the vehicle. A detailed, signed receipt showing the legal name of the towing service must be given to the person paying towing or storage charges at the time of payment, whether requested or not.

This Section shall not apply to law enforcement, firefighting, rescue, ambulance, or other emergency vehicles which are marked as such or to property owned by any governmental entity.

When an authorized person improperly causes a motor vehicle to be removed, such person shall be liable to the owner or lessee of the vehicle for the cost of removal, transportation and storage, any damages resulting from the removal, transportation and storage, attorney's fee and court costs.

Any towing or storage charges accrued shall be payable in cash or by cashier's check, certified check, debit card, credit card, or wire transfer, at the option of the party taking possession of the vehicle.

11. Towing companies shall also provide insurance coverage for areas where vehicles towed under the provisions of this Chapter will be impounded or otherwise stored, and shall adequately cover loss by fire, theft, or other risks.

Any person who fails to comply with the conditions and restrictions of this subsection shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500.

(g)(1) When a vehicle is determined to be a hazardous dilapidated motor vehicle pursuant to Section 11-40-3.1 of the Illinois Municipal Code or Section 5-12002.1 of the Counties Code, its removal and impoundment by a towing service may be authorized by a law enforcement agency with appropriate jurisdiction.

(2) When a vehicle removal from either public or private property is authorized by a law enforcement agency, the owner of the vehicle shall be responsible for all towing and storage charges.

(3) Vehicles removed from public or private property and stored by a commercial vehicle relocator or any other towing service authorized by a law enforcement agency in compliance with this Section and Sections 4-201 and 4-202 of this Code, or at the request of the vehicle owner or operator, shall be subject to a possessor lien for services pursuant to the Labor and Storage Lien (Small Amount) Act. The provisions of Section 1 of that Act relating to notice and implied consent shall be deemed satisfied by compliance with Section 18a-302 and subsection (6) of Section 18a-300. In no event shall such lien be greater than the rate or rates established in accordance with subsection (6) of Section 18a-200 of this Code. In no event shall such lien be increased or altered to reflect any charge for services or materials rendered in addition to those authorized by this Code. Every such lien shall be payable in cash or by cashier's check, certified check, debit card, credit card, or wire transfer, at the option of the party taking possession of the vehicle.

(4) Any personal property belonging to the vehicle owner in a vehicle subject to a lien under this subsection (g) shall likewise be subject to that lien, excepting only: child restraint systems as defined in Section 4 of the Child Passenger Protection Act and other child booster seats; eyeglasses; food; medicine; personal medical and health care devices, including hearing instruments; perishable property; any operator's licenses; any cash, credit cards, or checks or checkbooks; any wallet, purse, or other property containing any operator's licenses, social security cards, or other identifying documents or materials, cash, credit cards, checks, checkbooks, or passbooks; higher education textbooks and study materials; and any personal property belonging to a person other than the vehicle owner if that person provides adequate proof that the personal property belongs to that person. The spouse, child, mother, father, brother, or sister of the vehicle owner may claim personal property excepted under this paragraph (4) if the person claiming the personal property provides the commercial vehicle relocator or towing service with the authorization of the vehicle owner.

(5) This paragraph (5) applies only in the case of a vehicle that is towed as a result of being involved in a crash. In addition to the personal property excepted under paragraph (4), all other personal property in a vehicle subject to a lien under this subsection (g) is exempt from that lien and may be claimed by the vehicle owner if the vehicle owner provides the commercial vehicle relocator or towing service with proof that the vehicle owner has an insurance policy covering towing and storage fees. The spouse, child, mother, father, brother, or sister of the vehicle owner may claim personal property in a vehicle subject to a lien under this subsection (g) if the person claiming the personal property provides the commercial vehicle relocator or towing service with the authorization of the vehicle owner and proof that the vehicle owner has an insurance policy covering towing and storage fees. The regulation of liens on personal property and exceptions to those liens in the case of vehicles towed as a result of being involved in a crash are exclusive powers and functions of the State. A home rule unit may not regulate liens on personal property and exceptions to those liens in the case of vehicles towed as a result of being involved in a crash. This paragraph (5) is a denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution.

(6) No lien under this subsection (g) shall: exceed $2,000 in its total amount; or be increased or altered to reflect any charge for services or materials rendered in addition to those authorized by this Code.

(h) Whenever a peace officer issues a citation to a driver for a violation of subsection (a) of Section 11-506 of this Code, the arresting officer may have the vehicle which the person was operating at the time of the arrest impounded for a period of 5 days after the time of arrest. An impounding agency shall release a motor vehicle impounded under this subsection (h) to the registered owner of the vehicle under any of the following circumstances:

(1) if the vehicle is a stolen vehicle; or

(2) if the person ticketed for a violation of subsection (a) of Section 11-506 of this Code was not authorized by the registered owner of the vehicle to operate the vehicle at the time of the violation; or

(3) if the registered owner of the vehicle was neither the driver nor a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the violation or was unaware that the driver was using the vehicle to engage in street racing; or

(4) if the legal owner or registered owner of the vehicle is a rental car agency; or

(5) if, prior to the expiration of the impoundment period specified above, the citation is dismissed or the defendant is found not guilty of the offense.

(i) Except for vehicles exempted under subsection (b) of Section 7-601 of this Code, whenever a law enforcement officer issues a citation to a driver for a violation of Section 3-707 of this Code, and the driver has a prior conviction for a violation of Section 3-707 of this Code in the past 12 months, the arresting officer shall authorize the removal and impoundment of the vehicle by a towing service.

(j) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a person has indicated in a timely filed report to the appropriate law enforcement agency that a vehicle towed pursuant to this Section has been stolen or hijacked then:

(1) the person shall not be liable for any governmentally imposed fees, fines, or penalties; and

(2) if a vehicle towed pursuant to this Section is registered in Illinois and the name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle is provided or made available to the towing service at the time of the tow, then the towing service must provide written notice of the tow to the registered owner within 2 business days after the vehicle is towed by certified mail, return receipt requested. No storage charges shall accrue if the vehicle is reclaimed by paying recovery and towing charges at the posted rates of the towing service as provided by paragraph 6 of subsection (f) within 7 days after such notice is mailed. If the vehicle is registered in a state other than Illinois, then no storage charges shall accrue if the vehicle is reclaimed by paying recovery and towing charges at the posted rates of the towing service as provided by paragraph 6 of subsection (f) within 7 days after a request for registered owner information is mailed by the towing service, certified mail, return receipt requested, to the applicable administrative agency or office in that state.

The towing service shall enjoy a lien to secure payment of charges accrued in compliance with this subsection.

(Source: P.A. 102-982, eff. 7-1-23; 103-154, eff. 6-30-23; 103-756, eff. 1-1-25.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-203.5)

Sec. 4-203.5. Tow rotation list.

(a) Each law enforcement agency whose duties include the patrol of highways in this State shall maintain a tow rotation list which shall be used by law enforcement officers authorizing the tow of a vehicle within the jurisdiction of the law enforcement agency. To ensure adequate response time, a law enforcement agency may maintain multiple tow rotation lists, with each tow rotation list covering tows authorized in different geographic locations within the jurisdiction of the law enforcement agency. A towing service may be included on more than one tow rotation list.

(b) Any towing service operating within the jurisdiction of a law enforcement agency may submit an application in a form and manner prescribed by the law enforcement agency for inclusion on the law enforcement agency's tow rotation list. The towing service does not need to be located within the jurisdiction of the law enforcement agency. To be included on a tow rotation list the towing service must meet the following requirements:

(1) possess a license permitting the towing service to operate in every unit of local government in the law enforcement agency's jurisdiction that requires a license for the operation of a towing service;

(2) if required by the law enforcement agency for inclusion on that law enforcement agency's tow rotation list, each owner of the towing service and each person operating a vehicle on behalf of the towing service shall submit his or her fingerprints to the Illinois State Police in the form and manner prescribed by the Illinois State Police. These fingerprints should be transmitted through a live scan fingerprint vendor licensed by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. These fingerprints shall be checked against the fingerprint records now and hereafter filed in the Illinois State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history records databases. The Illinois State Police shall charge a fee for conducting the criminal history record check, which shall be deposited in the State Police Services Fund and shall not exceed the actual cost of the State and national criminal history record check. The Illinois State Police shall furnish, pursuant to positive identification, all Illinois conviction information to the law enforcement agency maintaining the tow rotation list and shall forward the national criminal history record information to the law enforcement agency maintaining the tow rotation list. A person may not own a towing service or operate a vehicle on behalf of a towing service included on a tow rotation list if that person has been convicted during the 5 years preceding the application of a criminal offense involving one or more of the following:

(A) bodily injury or attempt to inflict bodily injury to another person;

(B) theft of property or attempted theft of property; or

(C) sexual assault or attempted sexual assault of any kind;

(3) each person operating a vehicle on behalf of the towing service must be classified for the type of towing operation he or she shall be performing and the vehicle he or she shall be operating;

(4) possess and maintain the following insurance in addition to any other insurance required by law:

(A) comprehensive automobile liability insurance with a minimum combined single limit coverage of $1,000,000;

(B) commercial general liability insurance with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, $100,000 minimum garage keepers legal liability insurance, and $100,000 minimum on-hook coverage or cargo insurance; and

(C) a worker's compensation policy covering every person operating a tow truck on behalf of the towing service, if required under current law;

(5) possess a secure parking lot used for short-term vehicle storage after a vehicle is towed that is open during business hours and is equipped with security features as required by the law enforcement agency;

(6) utilize only vehicles that possess a valid vehicle registration, display a valid Illinois license plate in accordance with Section 5-202 of this Code, and comply with the weight requirements of this Code;

(7) every person operating a towing or recovery vehicle on behalf of the towing service must have completed a Traffic Incident Management Training Program approved by the Department of Transportation;

(8) hold a valid authority issued to it by the Illinois Commerce Commission;

(9) comply with all other applicable federal, State, and local laws; and

(10) comply with any additional requirements the applicable law enforcement agency deems necessary.

The law enforcement agency may select which towing services meeting the requirements of this subsection (b) shall be included on a tow rotation list. The law enforcement agency may choose to have only one towing service on its tow rotation list. Complaints regarding the process for inclusion on a tow rotation list or the use of a tow rotation list may be referred in writing to the head of the law enforcement agency administering that tow rotation list. The head of the law enforcement agency shall make the final determination as to which qualified towing services shall be included on a tow rotation list, and shall not be held liable for the exclusion of any towing service from a tow rotation list.

(c) Whenever a law enforcement officer initiates a tow of a vehicle, the officer shall contact his or her law enforcement agency and inform the agency that a tow has been authorized. The law enforcement agency shall then select a towing service from the law enforcement agency's tow rotation list corresponding to the geographical area where the tow was authorized, and shall contact that towing service directly by phone, computer, or similar means. Towing services shall be contacted in the order listed on the appropriate tow rotation list, at which point the towing service shall be placed at the end of that tow rotation list. In the event a listed towing service is not available, the next listed towing service on that tow rotation list shall be contacted.

(d) A law enforcement agency may deviate from the order listed on a tow rotation list if the towing service next on that tow rotation list is, in the judgment of the authorizing officer or the law enforcement agency making the selection, incapable of or not properly equipped for handling a specific task related to the tow that requires special skills or equipment. A deviation from the order listed on the tow rotation list for this reason shall not cause a loss of rotation turn by the towing service determined to be incapable or not properly equipped for handling the request.

(e) In the event of an emergency a law enforcement officer or agency, taking into account the safety and location of the situation, may deviate from the order of the tow rotation list and obtain towing service from any source deemed appropriate.

(f) If the owner or operator of a disabled vehicle is present at the scene of the disabled vehicle, is not under arrest, and does not abandon his or her vehicle, and in the law enforcement officer's opinion the disabled vehicle is not impeding or obstructing traffic, illegally parked, or posing a security or safety risk, the law enforcement officer shall allow the owner of the vehicle to specify a towing service to relocate the disabled vehicle. If the owner chooses not to specify a towing service, the law enforcement agency shall select a towing service for the vehicle as provided in subsection (c) of this Section.

(g) If a tow operator is present or arrives where a tow is needed and it has not been requested by the law enforcement agency or the owner or operator, the law enforcement officer, unless acting under Section 11-1431 of this Code, shall advise the tow operator to leave the scene.

(h) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 102-759, eff. 1-1-23.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-204) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-204)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 103-756)

Sec. 4-204. Police tows; reports, release of vehicles, payment. When a vehicle is authorized to be towed away as provided in Section 4-202 or 4-203:

(a) The authorization, any hold order, and any release shall be in writing, or confirmed in writing, with a copy given to the towing service.

(b) The police headquarters or office of the law officer authorizing the towing shall keep and maintain a record of the vehicle towed, listing the color, year of manufacture, manufacturer's trade name, manufacturer's series name, body style, Vehicle Identification Number, license plate or digital license plate year and number and registration sticker or digital registration sticker year and number displayed on the vehicle. The record shall also include the date and hour of tow, location towed from, location towed to, reason for towing and the name of the officer authorizing the tow.

(c) The owner, operator, or other legally entitled person shall be responsible to the towing service for payment of applicable removal, towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs associated with a vehicle towed or held under order or authorization of a law enforcement agency. If a vehicle towed or held under order or authorization of a law enforcement agency is seized by the ordering or authorizing agency or any other law enforcement or governmental agency and sold, any unpaid removal, towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs shall be paid to the towing service from the proceeds of the sale. If applicable law provides that the proceeds are to be paid into the treasury of the appropriate civil jurisdiction, then any unpaid removal, towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs shall be paid to the towing service from the treasury of the civil jurisdiction. That payment shall not, however, exceed the amount of proceeds from the sale, with the balance to be paid by the owner, operator, or other legally entitled person.

(d) Upon delivery of a written release order to the towing service, a vehicle subject to a hold order shall be released to the owner, operator, or other legally entitled person upon proof of ownership or other entitlement and upon payment of applicable removal, towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs.

(Source: P.A. 101-395, eff. 8-16-19.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 103-756)

Sec. 4-204. Police tows; reports, release of vehicles, payment. When a vehicle is authorized to be towed away as provided in Section 4-202 or 4-203:

(a) A copy of the authorization shall be provided to the towing company within one hour of the authorization. The authorization shall include the name of the registered owner of the vehicle, the mailing address of the registered owner of the vehicle on file with the Secretary of State, any hold order, and any release, except to the extent such information is made available under written agreement with the Secretary of State.

(b) The police headquarters or office of the law officer authorizing the towing shall keep and maintain a record of the vehicle towed, listing the color, year of manufacture, manufacturer's trade name, manufacturer's series name, body style, Vehicle Identification Number, license plate or digital license plate year and number and registration sticker or digital registration sticker year and number displayed on the vehicle. The record shall also include the date and hour of tow, location towed from, location towed to, reason for towing and the name of the officer authorizing the tow.

(c) The owner, operator, or other legally entitled person shall be responsible to the towing service for payment of applicable removal, towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs associated with a vehicle towed or held under order or authorization of a law enforcement agency. If a vehicle towed or held under order or authorization of a law enforcement agency is seized by the ordering or authorizing agency or any other law enforcement or governmental agency and sold, any unpaid removal, towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs shall be paid to the towing service from the proceeds of the sale. If applicable law provides that the proceeds are to be paid into the treasury of the appropriate civil jurisdiction, then any unpaid removal, towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs shall be paid to the towing service from the treasury of the civil jurisdiction. That payment shall not, however, exceed the amount of proceeds from the sale, with the balance to be paid by the owner, operator, or other legally entitled person.

(d) Upon delivery of a written release order to the towing service, a vehicle subject to a hold order shall be released to the owner, operator, or other legally entitled person upon proof of ownership or other entitlement and upon payment of applicable removal, towing, storage, and processing charges and collection costs.

(Source: P.A. 103-756, eff. 1-1-25.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-205) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-205)

Sec. 4-205. Record searches.

(a) When a law enforcement agency authorizing the impounding of a vehicle does not know the identity of the registered owner, lienholder or other legally entitled person, that law enforcement agency will cause the vehicle registration records of the State of Illinois to be searched by the Secretary of State for the purpose of obtaining the required ownership information.

(b) The law enforcement agency authorizing the impounding of a vehicle will cause the stolen motor vehicle files of the Illinois State Police to be searched by a directed communication to the Illinois State Police for stolen or wanted information on the vehicle. When the Illinois State Police files are searched with negative results, the information contained in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) files will be searched by the Illinois State Police. The information determined from these record searches will be returned to the requesting law enforcement agency for that agency's use in sending a notification by certified mail to the registered owner, lienholder and other legally entitled persons advising where the vehicle is held, requesting a disposition be made and setting forth public sale information. Notification shall be sent no later than 10 business days after the date the law enforcement agency impounds or authorizes the impounding of a vehicle, provided that if the law enforcement agency is unable to determine the identity of the registered owner, lienholder or other person legally entitled to ownership of the impounded vehicle within a 10 business day period after impoundment, then notification shall be sent no later than 2 days after the date the identity of the registered owner, lienholder or other person legally entitled to ownership of the impounded vehicle is determined. Exceptions to a notification by certified mail to the registered owner, lienholder and other legally entitled persons are set forth in Section 4-209 of this Code.

(c) When ownership information is needed for a towing service to give notification as required under this Code, the towing service may cause the vehicle registration records of the State of Illinois to be searched by the Secretary of State, and in such case, the towing service also shall give notice to all lienholders of record within the time period required for such other notices.

The written request of a towing service, in the form and containing the information prescribed by the Secretary of State by rule, may be transmitted to the Secretary of State in person, by U.S. mail or other delivery service, by facsimile transmission, or by other means the Secretary of State deems acceptable.

The Secretary of State shall provide the required information, or a statement that the information was not found in the vehicle registration records of the State, by U.S. mail or other delivery service, facsimile transmission, as requested by the towing service, or by other means acceptable to the Secretary of State.

(d) The Secretary of State may prescribe standards and procedures for submission of requests for record searches and replies via computer link.

(e) Fees for services provided under this Section shall be in amounts prescribed by the Secretary of State under Section 3-821.1 of this Code. Payment may be made by the towing service using cash, any commonly accepted credit card, or any other means of payment deemed acceptable by the Secretary of State.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-206) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-206)

Sec. 4-206. Identifying and tracing of vehicle ownership by Illinois State Police. When the registered owner, lienholder or other person legally entitled to the possession of a vehicle cannot be identified from the registration files of this State or from the registration files of a foreign state, if applicable, the law enforcement agency having custody of the vehicle shall notify the Illinois State Police, for the purpose of identifying the vehicle owner or other person legally entitled to the possession of the vehicle. The information obtained by the Illinois State Police will be immediately forwarded to the law enforcement agency having custody of the vehicle for notification purposes as set forth in Section 4-205 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(625 ILCS 5/4-207) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-207)

Sec. 4-207. Reclaimed vehicles; expenses.

(a) Any time before a vehicle is sold at public sale or disposed of as provided in Section 4-208, the owner, lienholder or other person legally entitled to its possession may reclaim the vehicle by presenting to the law enforcement agency having custody of the vehicle proof of ownership or proof of the right to possession of the vehicle.

(b) No vehicle shall be released to the owner, lienholder, or other person under this Section until all towing, storage, and processing charges have been paid.

(Source: P.A. 89-433, eff. 12-15-95.)