18.055 Disposition of Low-Value Vehicles Removed for Reasons Other Than Abandonment (VC §§22851.2, 22851.6, 22851.8, 22851.10)

Follow the steps to process the disposal of a low value vehicle for reasons other than abandonment:

Step 1

Within 48 hours after removal of the vehicle, the public agency must notify the Department of Justice at:

Department of Justice
Bureau of Information Services
Stolen Vehicle Unit
PO Box 9034l7
Sacramento, CA 94203-4l70

Step 2

Within 15 working days following the date of possession of the vehicle, the lienholder must obtain from DMV the names and addresses of all persons having an interest in the vehicle.

Step 3

Immediately upon receipt of DMV record information, the lienholder must complete and send by certified mail, with return receipt requested or U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing:

• A Notice of Intent to Dispose of a Vehicle Valued at $500 or Less Removed by a Public Agency for Reasons Other Than Abandonment (REG 684) (PDF).
• A return envelope pre-addressed to the lienholder to:
  • The registered owner.
  • The legal owner.
  • Any other persons having an interest in the vehicle.

Step 4

• The public agency must complete Section A of the Public Agency Authorization to Dispose of a Vehicle Valued at $500 or Less to a Scrap Iron Processor or Dismantler (REG 462) (PDF).
• After the expiration of the opposition period, the REG 462 is distributed as follows:
  • White and pink copies to the towing agent.
  • Yellow copy retained by the public agency for their records.

Step 5

• If a Declaration of Opposition is not received by the intended disposal date, the lienholder must dispose of the vehicle to a dismantler or a scrap iron processor and provide the following to the buyer:
  • REG 462 white copy.
  • REG 684A.
  • Notice of Intent to Dispose of a Vehicle Valued at $500 or Less Removed by a Public Agency for Reasons Other Than Abandonment (REG 686) (PDF) completed by the lienholder (VC 22851.8).
  • Certified mailing receipts or U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing receipt.
• If a Declaration of Opposition is received, in addition to the above documents, one of the following must also be given to the buyer:
  • Copy of a court judgment and a Statement of Facts (REG 256) (PDF) stating that five days have passed since the judgment was awarded and no payment has been received.
  • Declarant’s release (original signature required).
  • Letter of authorization to continue with the lien sale issued by DMV.

Step 6

Within five days of selling the vehicle to a dismantler or scrap iron processor, the lienholder must provide to the dismantler a:

• REG 462-white copy.
• REG 686.
• Certified mailing receipt or U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing receipt.
• Document authorizing continuation of the sale after a Declaration of Opposition was submitted, if applicable.

Step 7

Within 90 days of acquisition, the dismantler must submit to DMV a:

• REG 462-white copy.
• REG 686.
• Certified mailing receipt or U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing receipt.
• Document authorizing continuation of the sale after a Declaration of Opposition was submitted, if applicable.