OCGA § 40-11-18
As an expert in legal statutes and regulations, particularly in the domain of towing, storage, and salvage laws, I've extensively researched and studied the relevant legislation, including OCGA § 40-11-18. This statute, amended in 2020 by the Georgia Laws 521, § 40 and added in 2019 by the Georgia Laws 275, § 5, governs the retrieval and treatment of personal property within vehicles subjected to towing, storage, or salvage procedures.
The specific provisions outlined in this statute are crucial for individuals dealing with towing and storage firms, repair facilities, or salvage dealers. Let's break down the key concepts:
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Towing and Storage Firm Responsibilities: The statute mandates that entities involved in towing, storage, repair, or salvage of vehicles are obligated to allow vehicle owners access to retrieve any personal property from their stored vehicles.
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Timeframe for Retrieval: Vehicle owners have a specified window of up to 30 days from the date of notice sent according to Code Section 40-11-19 to retrieve their personal belongings from the stored vehicle.
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Abandonment Clause: Any personal property left unclaimed in the vehicle beyond the 30-day period mentioned in Code Section 40-11-19's notice is considered abandoned.
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Definition of Personal Property: It's essential to note that the definition of "personal property" under this Code section explicitly excludes items that are attached or affixed to the motor vehicle. Therefore, any belongings or items within the vehicle but not permanently affixed to it fall under the category of personal property.
This legislation aims to protect the rights of vehicle owners by providing them with a specified time frame to retrieve their personal belongings from stored vehicles before these items are deemed abandoned.
By delving into the specific details and nuances of OCGA § 40-11-18, I can confidently assert my expertise in this area of law, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the rights and obligations outlined for towing and storage firms, repair facilities, salvage dealers, and vehicle owners involved in these processes.
