Definitions

Checkout our iOS App for a better way to browser and research.

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

    (b)    “Abandoned vehicle” means any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer:

        (1)    That is inoperable and left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours;

        (2)    That has remained illegally on public property for more than 48 hours;

        (3)    That has remained on private property for more than 48 hours without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property;

        (4)    That has remained in a garage for more than 10 days after the garage keeper has given the owner of the vehicle notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, to remove the vehicle;

        (5)    That has remained in a garage for more than 10 days after the period when, by contract, the vehicle was to remain in the garage;

        (6)    That was left for more than 10 days in a garage by:

            (i)    Someone other than its registered owner; or

            (ii)    A person authorized to have possession of the vehicle under a contract of use, service, storage, or repair;

        (7)    That has remained on public property for more than 48 hours and:

            (i)    Is not displaying currently valid registration plates; or

            (ii)    Is displaying registration plates of another vehicle;

        (8)    That has been left unattended on any portion of a “controlled access highway” as defined in § 8–101(f) of this article for more than 24 hours;

        (9)    That has been left unattended on any portion of a primary or secondary highway or controlled access highway, as defined in § 8–101 of this article, and is in violation of any of the provisions of § 22–408 of this article; or

        (10)    That is not reclaimed as provided under § 27–111 of this article.

    (c)    “Garage” means any of the following, if operated for commercial purposes:

        (1)    A parking place or establishment;

        (2)    A vehicle storage facility; or

        (3)    An establishment for the servicing, repair, or maintenance of vehicles.

    (d)    (1)    “Lessor” means a person who regularly leases or offers to lease motor vehicles.

        (2)    “Lessor” includes:

            (i)    An assignee of leases; and

            (ii)    A person who during any 12–month period offers to lease 5 or more motor vehicles or who is assigned 5 or more leases.

    (e)    “Police department” means:

        (1)    The Department of State Police;

        (2)    The police department of any political subdivision of this State;

        (3)    In Baltimore City, the appropriate agency designated by the Board of Estimates;

        (4)    The police forces of public colleges and universities;

        (5)    In Prince George’s County, an appropriate agency or department designated by the County Executive;

        (6)    In any municipality in Prince George’s County or Montgomery County, an appropriate agency or department designated by the governing body of the municipality; and

        (7)    The police force of any State government agency.


Download our app to see the most-to-date content.