Full question:
A car has been seen abandoned at a public place near for more than 4 months? How can I buy the car? Is the local government allowed to sell the car at a public auction?
- Category: Abandoned Property
- Subcategory: Abandoned Property Self Storage
- Date:
- State: Kentucky
Answer:
You can buy the car if the car has been put on a public auction by the local government. The local government can sell an abandoned car at a public auction. If the abandoned car is found suitable for use, the local government may obtain a certificate of registration and ownership from the county clerk. They can either use the car for governmental purposes or sell the car at public auction to the highest bidder.You can have a look at the relevant law in this regard below.
KRS § 82.630.
Vehicle deemed abandoned -- Escheat to local government -- Disposal of vehicle.
(1) If within ten (10) business days of impoundment a motor vehicle impounded by a local government has not been claimed, or a hearing has not been requested pursuant to KRS 82.625, notice shall be mailed by certified mail to the registered owner, if known, and lienholders of record, if any, affording the parties the right within ten (10) days from the date of notice to claim the vehicle or request a hearing pursuant to KRS 82.625. The notice shall state that, if no hearing is requested, the vehicle shall be deemed abandoned unless the charges thereon are paid within forty-five (45) days of receipt of notice.
(2) After forty-five (45) days from the date of notice required by subsection (1) of this section an impounded motor vehicle shall be deemed abandoned and the vehicle shall escheat to the local government.
(3) If the vehicle is judged suitable for use, the local government may obtain a certificate of registration and ownership from the county clerk pursuant to KRS 186.020 and either use the vehicle for governmental purposes or sell the vehicle at public auction to the highest bidder. If the vehicle is not suitable for use, it may be sold for its scrap or junk value.”
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
