9.80.060 - Costs and charges related to impoundment.

(a)

The registered owner or his or her agent is responsible for all towing and storage charges related to the impoundment, and any administrative charges authorized under California Vehicle Code Section 22850.5.

(b)

Notwithstanding Subsection (a) of this Section, if the person convicted of engaging in a speed contest, exhibition of speed, or reckless driving exhibition was not authorized by the registered owner of the motor vehicle to operate the motor vehicle at the time of the commission of the offense, the court shall order the convicted person to reimburse the registered owner for any towing and storage charges related to the impoundment, and any administrative charges authorized under California Vehicle Code Section 22850.5 incurred by the registered owner to obtain possession of the vehicle, unless the court finds that the person convicted does not have the ability to pay all or part of those charges.

(c)

If the vehicle is a rental vehicle, the rental car agency may require the person to whom the vehicle was rented to pay all towing and storage charges related to the impoundment and any administrative charges authorized under California Vehicle Code Section 22850.5 that were incurred by the rental car agency in connection with obtaining possession of the vehicle.

(d)

The registered owner shall not be liable for any towing and storage charges related to the impoundment if acquittal or dismissal occurs.

(e)

The vehicle shall not be sold prior to the defendant's conviction.

(f)

The impounding agency is responsible for the actual costs incurred by the towing agency as a result of the impoundment should the registered owner be absolved of liability for those charges pursuant to Paragraph (3) of Subdivision (c) of California Vehicle Code Section 23109.2. Notwithstanding this provision, nothing shall prohibit impounding agencies from making prior payment arrangements to satisfy this requirement.

(Ord. No. 768, § 2, 5-18-2021)