Transportation Code § 683.016

Sec. 683.016. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY USE OF CERTAIN ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) The law enforcement agency that takes an abandoned motor vehicle into custody that is not claimed under Section 683.012 may: (1) use the vehicle for agency purposes; or (2) transfer the vehicle to any other municipal or county agency, a groundwater conservation district governed by Chapter 36, Water Code, or a school district for the use of that agency or district. (b) The law enforcement agency shall auction the vehicle as provided by this subchapter if the law enforcement agency or the municipal or county agency, groundwater conservation district, or school district to which the vehicle was transferred under Subsection (a) discontinues use of the vehicle. (c) This section does not apply to an abandoned vehicle on which there is a garagekeeper's lien. (d) This section does not apply to a vehicle that is: (1) taken into custody by a law enforcement agency located in a county with a population of 3.3 million or more; and (2) removed to a privately owned storage facility. (e) A law enforcement agency must comply with the notice requirements of Section 683.012 before the law enforcement agency may transfer a vehicle under Subsection (a)(2). Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 446 (H.B. 195), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 941 (H.B. 3140), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1163 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 178, eff. September 1, 2011. SUBCHAPTER C. VEHICLE ABANDONED IN STORAGE FACILITY