A.  After complying with the provisions of La. Rev. Stat. 32:1719(A), if the department or its authorized agent cannot obtain owner information on a stored vehicle, the department or its authorized agent shall furnish the storage or parking facility owner a copy of the original request for a stored vehicle card which was filed for the stored vehicle with a letter indicating that no ownership information could be found.

B.  Within ten business days of the date the department or its authorized agent sends the information required in Subsection A of this Section to the storage or parking facility owner, the storage or parking facility owner shall publish an advertisement in the official journal of the locality where the stored vehicle is located on two separate occasions.  The advertisement shall contain the following information:

(1)  The make and identification number of the stored vehicle.

(2)  The name and physical address of the storage or parking facility where the stored vehicle is located.

(3)  Notice that if all current outstanding charges against the stored vehicle are not paid and the stored vehicle is not claimed by the owner within fifteen calendar days from the last date of publication of the advertisement, the storage or parking facility owner may apply for a permit to sell or permit to dismantle the stored motor vehicle.

C.  Prior to issuance of the permit to sell or permit to dismantle the stored vehicle, the storage or parking facility owner shall provide the department with the following information:

(1)  A copy of the original request for stored vehicle information sent to the department or its authorized agent and a copy of the letter returned from the department or its authorized agent indicating no ownership information could be found on the stored vehicle.

(2)  Original proof of publication from the newspaper with a copy of the advertisement which contains all of the information required in Subsection B of this Section.

(3)  One appraisal on the stored vehicle which contains the make, model, vehicle identification number, and the printed name, address, and full signature of the appraiser.  A photograph of the vehicle shall be affixed to the appraisal.

(4)  A completed and notarized hold harmless affidavit stating no ownership information could be found.

(5)  An affidavit of physical inspection completed by a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified law enforcement officer, who has been trained and certified by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, office of state police, to inspect motor vehicles.

Acts 2001, No. 1097, §1; Acts 2014, No. 19, §1.