Alabama § 32-13-2 - Removal of Motor Vehicles; Liability; Lien on Vehicles Removed; Notice.

§ 32-13-2. Removal of Motor Vehicles; Liability; Lien on Vehicles Removed; Notice.

(a) A law enforcement officer or, in a Class 1 municipality, a parking enforcement officer or traffic enforcement officer who is not required to be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission, may cause a motor vehicle to be removed to the nearest garage or other place of safety under any of the following circumstances:

(1) The motor vehicle is left unattended on a public street, road, or highway or other property for a period of at least 48 hours.

(2) The motor vehicle is left unattended because the driver of the vehicle has been arrested or is impaired by an accident or for any other reason which causes the need for the vehicle to be immediately removed as determined necessary by a law enforcement officer.

(3) The motor vehicle is subject to an impoundment order for outstanding traffic or parking violations.

(b)(1) A law enforcement officer, parking enforcement officer, or traffic enforcement officer who, pursuant to this section, causes any motor vehicle to be removed to a garage or other place of safety shall be liable for gross negligence only.

(2) A person removing a motor vehicle or other property at the direction of an owner or owner’s authorized agent, a lessee of real property or the lessee’s authorized agent, or a law enforcement officer, parking enforcement officer, or traffic enforcement officer in accordance with this section shall have a lien on the motor vehicle for a reasonable fee for the removal and for the storage of the motor vehicle.

(c) A law enforcement officer, parking enforcement officer, or traffic enforcement officer who causes the removal of any motor vehicle to a garage or other place of safety pursuant to this section, within five calendar days, shall give written notice of the removal. The notice shall include a complete description of the motor vehicle identification number and license number thereof, provided the information is available, to the Secretary of the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency.

(d) An owner or owner’s authorized agent, or a lessee of real property or the lessee’s authorized agent, upon which a motor vehicle has become unclaimed, as provided for in Section 32-8-84, may cause the motor vehicle to be removed to a secure place. Any person or entity removing the vehicle at the direction of the owner or lessee of real property or his or her agent pursuant to this section shall have a lien on the motor vehicle for a reasonable fee for the removal and for storage of the motor vehicle.

(e) An owner or lessee or agent of the real property owner and the towing agent or wrecker service employed shall be liable to the owner or lienholder of record for action taken under this section only for gross negligence.