(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.

lawyer at desk

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.

Terms Used In Texas Transportation Code 683.016

  • Lien: A claim against real or personal property in satisfaction of a debt.
  • Population: means the population shown by the most recent federal decennial census. See Texas Government Code 311.005

(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).

  Previous section
Next section  
 Subchapter B Contents