§ 70-567. Authorization for towing.

(a)

Abandoned and inoperable vehicles may be towed after prior notice and the affording of an opportunity for a hearing as provided in section 70-569.

(b)

Hazardous and unlawful vehicles may be towed without notice. Within seven days after towing a vehicle pursuant to this subsection, a notice shall be sent to the owner of the vehicle affording the opportunity for a hearing as provided in sections 70-570 and 70-572.

(c)

The towing of any vehicle pursuant to this article by the city or by any towing service operator approved by the chief of police shall be authorized only by the chief of police or such other officer or employee as the chief of police shall authorize, and only under the circumstances and in accordance with the procedures herein provided.

(d)

Towed vehicles shall be impounded only at facilities approved by the chief of police until lawfully claimed or disposed of pursuant to the provisions of this article or the laws of the state.

(e)

The towing service shall safely keep the towed vehicle and its contents, and maintain a record of the tow as set forth in article II of chapter 4 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/4-204) 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 article.

(f)

Nothing in this article shall prohibit the towing of vehicles in accordance with article II of chapter 4 of the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/4-201 et seq.).

(Code 1996, § 70-567; Ord. No. F-0320, § 1, 3-1-1999; Ord. No. F-0477, §§ 2, 3, 6-19-2000)