RCW 46.12.310
Serial numbers -- Seizure and impoundment of
vehicles, etc. -- Notice to interested persons -- Release to owner,
etc. (Effective until July 1, 2011. Recodified as RCW 46.12.725.)
(1) Any vehicle, watercraft, camper, or any
component part thereof, from which the manufacturer's serial
number or any other distinguishing number or identification mark
has been removed, defaced, covered, altered, obliterated, or
destroyed, may be impounded and held by the seizing law
enforcement agency for the purpose of conducting an investigation
to determine the identity of the article or articles, and to
determine whether it had been reported stolen.
(2) Within five days of the impounding of any vehicle,
watercraft, camper, or component part thereof, the law
enforcement agency seizing the article or articles shall send
written notice of such impoundment by certified mail to all
persons known to the agency as claiming an interest in the
article or articles. The seizing agency shall exercise
reasonable diligence in ascertaining the names and addresses of
those persons claiming an interest in the article or articles. Such notice shall advise the person of the fact of seizure, the
possible disposition of the article or articles, the requirement
of filing a written claim requesting notification of potential
disposition, and the right of the person to request a hearing to
establish a claim of ownership. Within five days of receiving
notice of other persons claiming an interest in the article or
articles, the seizing agency shall send a like notice to each
such person.
(3) If reported as stolen, the seizing law enforcement
agency shall promptly release such vehicle, watercraft, camper,
or parts thereof as have been stolen, to the person who is the
lawful owner or the lawful successor in interest, upon receiving
proof that such person presently owns or has a lawful right to
the possession of the article or articles.
[1995 c 256 § 2; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 91 § 2.]
NOTES:
Severability -- Effective date -- 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 91: See notes following RCW 46.12.300.