§ 18-216. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned vehicle means a motor vehicle that is inoperable and over five years old and is left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours, or a motor vehicle that has remained illegally parked on public property for a period of more than 48 hours, or a motor vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for more than 48 hours, or a motor vehicle left unattended on the rights-of-way of any designated county, state or federal highway within the city in excess of 48 hours or in excess of 24 hours on any turnpike project constructed and maintained by the state turnpike authority.

Demolisher means any person whose business is to convert a motor vehicle into processed scrap or scrap metal, or otherwise to wreck or dismantle a motor vehicle.

Garagekeeper means any owner or operator of a parking place or establishment, motor vehicle storage facility, or any establishment for the servicing, repair or maintenance of motor vehicles.

Junked vehicle means a motor vehicle as defined in V.T.C.A., Transportation Code § 683.071.

(1)

The term "junked vehicle" means a vehicle that is self-propelled and does not have lawfully attached to it:

a.

An unexpired license plate; and

b.

A valid motor vehicle inspection certificate.

(2)

The term "junked vehicle" also includes:

a.

Wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded; or

b.

Inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than:

1.

72 consecutive hours, if the vehicle is on public property; or

2.

30 consecutive days, if the vehicle is on private property.

Motor vehicle means any motor vehicle subject to registration pursuant to the state's Certificate of Title Act, V.T.C.A., Transportation Code ch. 501.

Storage facility means a garage, parking lot or any type of facility or establishment for the servicing, repairing, storing or parking of motor vehicles.

(Code 1978, § 12-1; Code 1993, § 30-211)