Minnesota Statutes 168B.051 – Sale; Waiting Periods
Subdivision 1.Sale after 15 days.
An impounded vehicle is eligible for disposal or sale under section 168B.08, 15 days after notice to the owner, if the vehicle is determined to be:
Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 168B.051
- Abandoned vehicle: means a motor vehicle, as defined in section 169. See Minnesota Statutes 168B.011
- Impound: means to take and hold a vehicle in legal custody. See Minnesota Statutes 168B.011
- Junk vehicle: means a vehicle that:
(1) is three years old or older;
(2) is extensively damaged, with the damage including such things as broken or missing wheels, motor, drive train, or transmission;
(3) is apparently inoperable;
(4) does not have a valid, current registration plate; and
(5) has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it. See Minnesota Statutes 168B.011
- Operator: includes an operator of a public or nonpublic impound lot, regardless of whether tow truck service is provided. See Minnesota Statutes 168B.011
- Unauthorized vehicle: means a vehicle that is subject to removal and impoundment pursuant to section 168B. See Minnesota Statutes 168B.011
- vehicle: has the meaning given motor vehicle in section 169. See Minnesota Statutes 168B.011
(1) a junk vehicle, except that it may have a valid, current registration plate and still be eligible for disposal or sale under this subdivision; or
(2) an abandoned vehicle.
Subd. 1a.Sale 15 days after notice by certified mail.
An unauthorized vehicle impounded by the city of Minneapolis or by the city of St. Paul is eligible for disposal or sale under section 168B.08, 15 days after notice is sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the registered owner, if any, of the unauthorized vehicle and to all readily identifiable lienholders of record. If, before the expiration of the 15-day period following notice of taking, the registered owner or lienholder of record delivers to the impound lot operator a written statement of intent to reclaim the vehicle, the vehicle is not eligible for disposal or sale until 45 days after the notice of taking, if the owner or lienholder has not reclaimed under section 168B.07. Notwithstanding section 168B.06, subdivision 3, a second notice shall not be required.
Subd. 2.Sale after 45 days or title transfer.
(a) If an unauthorized vehicle is impounded, other than by the city of Minneapolis or the city of St. Paul, the impounded vehicle is eligible for disposal or sale under section 168B.08, the earlier of:
(1) 45 days after notice to the owner; or
(2) the date of a voluntary written title transfer by the registered owner to the impound lot operator.
(b) A voluntary written title transfer constitutes a waiver by the registered owner of any right, title, and interest in the vehicle.