Vermont § 1413 - Disposition of impounded vehicles and loads

§ 1413. Disposition of impounded vehicles and loads

• (a) Rights of owner of load. The title to the load on an impounded vehicle or combination remains in the owner
  who may repossess the load at any time upon presentation of proof of ownership to
  the sheriff. If the load spoils during impoundment the loss shall be on the owner
  subject to any right of recovery of damages that the owner may have against the owner
  of the vehicle or combination or against any other party, and the costs of disposition
  of the load shall be recoverable in addition to the costs of prosecution. (b) Sale of unclaimed vehicle or load. In case any impounded vehicle or combination is unredeemed, or the load is unclaimed,
  for a period of 60 days after notice of impoundment is given, it shall be sold at
  a public sale by the sheriff upon order of the issuing authority and after 10 days
  notice of sale to the owners, lienholders, or secured parties of the vehicle or load
  except that if the sheriff determines it to be necessary to preserve their value,
  goods that may spoil may be sold in any commercially reasonable manner prior to expiration
  of the 60-day period and, if impractical to do so, without giving notice to the owners,
  lienholders, or secured parties. (c) Disposition of proceeds of sale. The proceeds of sale shall first be applied to the payment of the fine and costs,
  and secondly, to the payment of the encumbrances. The balance shall be remitted to
  the owner. (Added 1983, No. 86, § 9.)