SUMMARY--Authorizes public service commission of Nevada to regulate certain charges relating to towing of motor vehicle under certain circumstances. (BDR 58-940)
FISCAL NOTE: Effect on Local Government: No.
Effect on the State or on Industrial Insurance: No.
EXPLANATION - Matter in italics is new; matter in brackets [ ] is material to be omitted.
AN ACT relating to motor vehicles; authorizing the public service commission of Nevada to regulate certain charges relating to the towing of a motor vehicle under certain circumstances; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
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Section 1 NRS 706.4479 is hereby amended to read as follows:
706.4479 1. If a motor vehicle is towed at the request of someone other than the owner, or authorized agent of the owner, of the motor vehicle, the operator shall, in addition to the requirements set forth in the provisions of chapter 108 of NRS:
[1.] (a) Notify the registered and legal owner of the motor vehicle by certified mail not later than 15 days after placing a vehicle in storage:
[(a)] (1) Of the location where the motor vehicle is being stored;
[(b)] (2) Whether the storage is inside a locked building, in a secured, fenced area or in an unsecured, open area;
[(c)] (3) Of the charge for storage; and
[(d)] (4) Of the date and time the vehicle was placed in storage.
[2.] (b) If the identity of the registered and legal owners is not readily available, request the necessary information from the department of motor vehicles and public safety. The operator shall attempt to notify the owner of the vehicle as soon as possible, but in no case later than 15 days, after identification of the owner is obtained.
[3.] (c) Use all resources reasonably necessary to ascertain the name of the owner of a vehicle and is responsible for making an independent inquiry and correct notification of the owner.
2. Before an operator of a tow car may charge any fee related to towing a motor vehicle at the request of someone other than the owner, or authorized agent of the owner, of the motor vehicle, the fee must be approved by the commission. The commission shall not approve the charging of administrative fees, fees related to the processing of liens or any other fee unless an actual additional service is provided by the operator to justify the additional charge in each case.
Sec. 2 This act becomes effective on July 1, 1997.