§ 31-21. Impounding illegally parked vehicles.


Latest version.
  • (a) Any vehicle parked in violation of this article or otherwise parked so as to constitute a definite hazard to public safety or is so parked, stopped or standing so as to impede or obstruct the normal movement of traffic or pedestrians, may be impounded by members of the department of police or other authorized persons designated by the county executive.
    (b) In any case involving the impoundment of a vehicle under this Section, an administrative cost set by Council resolution adopted under Section 2-57A must be charged to the owner of the vehicle, in addition to all outstanding fines and penalties assessed for violations of this Article and any towing or storage charges incurred.
    (c) All such fines, penalties, costs and charges must be paid to the County before the owner may reclaim or secure the release of the vehicle. (1978 L.M.C., ch. 7, § 2; 1984 L.M.C., ch. 24, § 36; , § 1; , § 1.)
    Editor's noteSee County Attorney Opinion dated citing the section in a discussion of the scope of authority for the Department of Public Works to tow vehicles from County roads and to provide roadside assistance.
    2004 L.M.C., ch. 16, § 2, states in part: Any fee, charge, or fare in effect when this Act takes effect [July 22, 2004] must remain in effect until amended by Council resolution as provided in Section 2-57, as amended by Section 1 of this Act.