Sec 28-4841. Abandoned vehicle; notice of intent to transfer vehicle

A. On receipt of a report as required by this chapter the director shall determine the name and address of the owner and lienholder, if any, or any other person identified on the department's record by either:

1. Searching the department records.

2. Asking the vehicle registration agency of another state if the vehicle is registered in that state.

B. On receipt of information from reports pursuant to section 28-4838 or 28-4839 and after determining the name and address of the owner and lienholder, if any, or any other person identified on the department's record who may have an interest in the vehicle, the director shall notify all interested persons by mail within five days for a vehicle with a record in this state or within thirty days for all other vehicles. The director shall make the notice on a form prescribed by the director. The notice shall include:

1. A complete description of the vehicle.

2. A notice of intent to transfer ownership of the vehicle to the person in possession of the vehicle if within thirty days from the date placed on the notification by the department the owner or lienholder or a person who has an interest in the vehicle does not notify the department of the owner's, lienholder's or person's interest in the vehicle or claim the vehicle.

3. The vehicle identification number.

4. The place and date the vehicle was found, seized or taken into possession.

5. The storage location of the vehicle.

6. A statement that the owner is liable to the department for the amounts provided in section 28-4802 if the vehicle was abandoned and removed pursuant to section 28-4802 and that the cost will be collected if the owner subsequently registers another vehicle in this state or subsequently applies for or renews a driver license issued by this state.

C. If the records of the department or out of state jurisdiction do not disclose the name and address of the owner and lienholder, if any, or any other person identified on the department's record who may have an interest in the vehicle, or if the notice is returned marked unclaimed or addressee unknown, the department shall publish the notice of the intent of the director to transfer ownership of abandoned vehicles pursuant to this chapter once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the vehicle was found or seized. The published notice shall include a statement of the intent of the director to transfer ownership of abandoned vehicles after ten days of the published notice and that the department will make available to the public a complete vehicle description of abandoned vehicles subject to transfer of ownership.

D. A person who has filed a report of an abandoned vehicle pursuant to section 28-4838, 28-4839 or 28-4840 shall notify the director within twenty-four hours and in the manner prescribed by the director if the vehicle is released or returned to or redeemed or repossessed by the lawful owner or lienholder, if any, or any other person who is identified on the department's record and who may have an interest in the vehicle.