The excise tax and penalties and interest imposed under this chapter constitutes a first preferred lien upon any motor vehicle in which fuel taxable under this chapter is used, the lien attaching at the time the vehicle is operating in this State through the use of the fuel. The lien must not be removed until the excise tax, penalties and interest, and legal costs are paid or the property subject to the lien is sold in payment thereof, and the lien is paramount to all private liens or encumbrances of whatever character and to the rights of any conditional vendor or any other holder of the legal title in or to any such motor vehicle.