§ 2151. Definitions
As used in this subchapter:
(1)(A) “Abandoned motor vehicle” means:
(i) a motor vehicle that has remained on public or private property or on or along a highway
for more than 48 hours without the consent of the owner or person in control of the
property and has a valid registration plate or public vehicle identification number
that has not been removed, destroyed, or altered; or
(ii) a motor vehicle that has remained on public or private property or on or along a highway
without the consent of the owner or person in control of the property for any period
of time if:
(I) the vehicle does not have a valid registration plate or the public vehicle identification
number has been removed, destroyed, or altered; or
(II) a law enforcement officer has requested that the vehicle be removed by a towing business.
(B) “Abandoned motor vehicle” does not include a vehicle or other equipment used or to
be used in construction or in the operation or maintenance of highways or public utility
facilities, which is left in a manner that does not interfere with the normal movement
of traffic.
(2) “Landowner” means a person who owns or leases or otherwise has authority to control
use of real property.
(3) “Law enforcement officer” means a State Police officer, municipal police officer,
motor vehicle inspector, Capitol Police officer, constable, sheriff, or deputy sheriff
certified by the Vermont Criminal Justice Council under 20 V.S.A. § 2358.
(4) “Motor vehicle” means all vehicles propelled or drawn by power other than muscular
power that have, or could have, one or more of the following:
(A) a registration plate, registration decal, or certificate of number;
(B) a public vehicle identification number; or
(C) a certificate of title.
(5) “Public vehicle identification number” means the public vehicle identification number
that is usually visible through the windshield and attached to the driver’s side of
the dashboard, instrument panel, or windshield pillar post or on the doorjamb on the
driver’s side of the vehicle. (Added 2003, No. 101 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2015, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), § 77; 2023, No. 41, § 31, eff. July 1, 2023.)