Section 15-509 - Acquisition of vehicles by dismantler and recycler - Vehicles without evidence of ownership. - Maryland Statutes

§ 15-509. Acquisition of vehicles by dismantler and recycler - Vehicles without evidence of ownership.
 

(a)  Exception.- This section does not apply to any abandoned vehicle that is 8 years old or older and is totally inoperable. 

(b)  Applicability of section.- If an automotive dismantler and recycler or scrap processor takes possession of a vehicle and does not receive a certificate of title or other documentary evidence of ownership acceptable to the Administration, the automotive dismantler and recycler or scrap processor shall comply with this section. 

(c)  Notice of intent to dispose.- After the vehicle has been in the possession of the automotive dismantler and recycler or scrap processor for more than 30 days, the automotive dismantler and recycler or scrap processor shall give at least 10 days' notice of intent to dispose of the vehicle. The notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, to: 

(1) The owner of the vehicle and any secured party, as shown on the records of the Administration; or 

(2) Any other person who is entitled to possession of the vehicle and whose address is known or reasonably can be obtained. 

(d)  Assumption of ownership by dismantler and recycler.-  

(1) The automotive dismantler and recycler or scrap processor takes unencumbered title to the vehicle, without having to obtain a certificate of title for it in his own name, if: 

(i) He has complied with this section; and 

(ii) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the vehicle has not been recovered or reclaimed, before the end of the 10-day period specified in the notice, by the owner, secured party, or other person entitled to its possession. 

(2) If the address of the owner, secured party, or other person entitled to possession of the vehicle cannot be obtained from the records of the Administration or by the exercise of reasonable diligence, the automotive dismantler and recycler or scrap processor takes unencumbered title to the vehicle, without having to obtain a certificate of title in his own name, after the vehicle has been in his possession for 30 days. 

(e)  Certification of assumption of ownership.- If an automotive dismantler and recycler or scrap processor takes title to a vehicle under this section, the automotive dismantler and recycler or scrap processor shall certify this fact to the Administration. The certification shall be made in the form that the Administration requires and sent to the Administration within 5 days after the automotive dismantler and recycler or scrap processor takes title. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 661/2, § 5-203; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; 1980, ch. 732, § 2; 1983, ch. 563; 1988, ch. 6, § 1; 1993, ch. 457.]