Ala. Code § 32-13-2 (1975) Removal of Motor Vehicles; Liability; Lien On Vehicles Removed; Notice

• Library: Alabama Statutes
• Edition: 2023
• Currency: Current with legislation from the 2023 Regular and Special Sessions.
• Year: 2023
• Citation: Ala. Code § 32-13-2 (1975)

(a) A law enforcement officer or, in a Class 1 municipality, a parking enforcement officer or traffic enforcement officer who is not required to be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, may cause a motor vehicle to be removed to the nearest garage or other place of safety under any of the following circumstances:

(1) The motor vehicle is left unattended on a public street, road, or highway or other property for a period of at least 48 hours.

(2) The motor vehicle is left unattended because the driver of the vehicle has been arrested or is impaired by an accident or for any other reason which causes the need for the vehicle to be immediately removed as determined necessary by a law enforcement officer.

(3) The motor vehicle is subject to an impoundment order for outstanding traffic or parking violations.

(b)

(1) A law enforcement officer, parking enforcement officer, or traffic enforcement officer who, pursuant to this section, causes any motor vehicle to be removed to a garage or other place of safety shall be liable for gross negligence only.

(2) A person removing a motor vehicle or other property at the direction of an owner or owner's authorized agent, a lessee of real property or the lessee's authorized agent, or a law enforcement officer, parking enforcement officer, or traffic enforcement officer in accordance with this section shall have a lien on the motor vehicle for a reasonable fee for the removal and for the storage of the motor vehicle.