Abandoned recreational vehicles.

Assembly Member Mark González's proposal to modify California's abandoned vehicle disposal procedures would extend existing protocols to include recreational vehicles valued up to $4,000, expanding the current framework that applies only to vehicles worth $500 or less.

The legislation maintains established removal and notification requirements while increasing the value threshold specifically for recreational vehicles. Under these provisions, peace officers or authorized public employees must attach notices to vehicles 72 hours before removal, notify the Department of Justice's Stolen Vehicle System upon removal, and contact registered owners within 48 hours. Owners retain the right to request hearings within 10 days to contest the vehicle's removal.

The disposal process requires public agencies to verify vehicle ownership through the Department of Motor Vehicles and provide written authorization to lienholders for disposal after 15 days if the vehicle remains unclaimed. Vehicles may only be disposed of through licensed dismantlers or scrap processors, with specific documentation requirements for each disposal method. The bill preserves existing exemptions for vehicles qualifying for horseless carriage or historical vehicle license plates.