(1) If a tower recovers a vehicle after a theft, the vehicle is totaled and the vehicle has no applicable insurance coverage, the person who is the owner of the vehicle may transfer the person’s interest in the vehicle to the tower in payment or partial payment of the tower’s fees for recovery and storage of the vehicle.

Ask a traffic law question, get an answer ASAP!
Thousands of highly rated, verified traffic lawyers.
Parking violations, accidents, DUI/DWI, licensing, registration, and more
Protect your vehicle and your rights with expert legal help now
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

(2) A tower that accepts a transfer of interest in a vehicle from a person under this section may not assess fees against the person for storage of the totaled vehicle that occurs on and after the date of the transfer of interest.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions for liens under ORS § 98.812 and 98.830, if a person transfers their interest in a vehicle under this section to a tower within 14 days of the date the person receives notice under ORS § 98.857, the tower may not bring an action against the person for, or otherwise take any affirmative steps to collect or permit an agency or assignee to collect, any amount as compensation for towing, caring for or storing the totaled vehicle.

(4) A tower that receives title under this section is responsible for any fees imposed by the Department of Transportation for transferring title. [2017 c.523 § 5; 2019 c.13 § 70]

822.235 was added to and made a part of the Oregon Vehicle Code by legislative action but was not added to ORS Chapter 822 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.