MI HB5181

Persons who abandon vehicles are presumed responsible unless they provide a sale record; violators face a civil fine of $50.00 and must redeem the vehicle before disposition.

Police agencies must enter abandoned vehicles into the law enforcement information network within 24 hours of custody and notify the Secretary of State, who must send notice to the last titled owner and secured party within 7 days.

Vehicle owners may contest abandonment determinations or challenge towing and storage fees by requesting a hearing within 20 days and posting a $40.00 fee plus accrued charges, or by posting a bond.

Public sales of abandoned vehicles must be conducted by police agencies (or their designees) after at least 5 days' public notice, with sale proceeds applied first to towing and storage charges, then police expenses, then the $40.00 fee, and any remainder to the secured party or owner.

Secured parties may redeem vehicles within 10 days of notice by paying the $40.00 fee and accrued towing and storage charges if the owner does not request a hearing; $25.00 of each $40.00 fee collected is deposited into the abandoned vehicle fund.