Idaho § 49-1802 - PRESUMED RESPONSIBILITY
Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 49-1802 — PRESUMED RESPONSIBILITY, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 49-1802. PRESUMED RESPONSIBILITY
(1) The abandonment of any vehicle shall create a prima facie presumption that the last registered owner of record is responsible for the abandonment and is thereby liable for the costs incurred in the removal, storage, and disposition of the vehicle, less any amount received from the disposition of the vehicle.
(2) The owner of any vehicle removed pursuant to this chapter is presumed responsible for the vehicle and is thereby liable for the costs incurred in the removal, storage, and disposition of the vehicle, less any amounts received from the disposition of the vehicle.
(3) If a vehicle is found abandoned or found under extraordinary circumstances and is removed at the direction of any authorized officer and is not redeemed by the owner or lienholder within seven (7) days of the tow, the last registered owner of record is guilty of a traffic infraction, unless the owner has filed a release of liability with the department pursuant to section 49-526 , Idaho Code, in which case the transferee shown on the release of liability shall be guilty of a traffic infraction.
(4) Vehicles towed under the provisions of this chapter cannot be disposed of without a title or a junk certificate.
(5) If a law enforcement agency places a call or requests a tow company to remove a vehicle, it shall be classified as a law enforcement-directed tow and the provisions of this chapter shall apply.
[49-1802, added 2025, ch. 218, sec. 2, p. 1027.]
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 49-1802
What does Idaho Statutes § 49-1802 cover?
Section 49-1802 ("PRESUMED RESPONSIBILITY") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Idaho § 49-1802?
A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 49-1802" (Idaho). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Idaho law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.
How does Idaho § 49-1802 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.