Senate Bill 65 proposes amendments to the statutes regarding the impoundment of vehicles involved in reckless driving offenses. Currently, a political subdivision can only impound a vehicle if the cited individual is the owner and has a prior reckless driving conviction with unpaid forfeitures. The new bill expands this authority, allowing for the impoundment of any vehicle used in a reckless driving offense, regardless of ownership or the operator's prior record. Additionally, the bill stipulates that vehicles can be impounded until any outstanding fines or forfeitures owed by the owner are fully paid.

The bill also introduces a requirement for law enforcement officers to check if an impounded vehicle has been reported as stolen. If the vehicle is confirmed as stolen, it must be returned to the owner without any fees. Furthermore, if a stolen vehicle remains unclaimed for over 60 days after impoundment, the political subdivision may dispose of it following the procedures for abandoned vehicles. The amendments also clarify that a political subdivision can dispose of an impounded vehicle after 90 days if it remains unclaimed, subject to the new provisions regarding stolen vehicles.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 349.115(1), 349.115, 349.115(3)