§ 31-45. Inability to find owner or secured party.

(a) Scope of search.

In researching ownership, the Director of Transportation is not required to go beyond the name and address of the person who is the legal or title owner of the vehicle, as noted in the records of the Motor Vehicle Administration of the State of Maryland, or similar agency in any other state or country.

(b) Notice by publication.

In those instances where:

(1) the identity of the last registered owner of an impounded vehicle cannot be determined from the records of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration or similar agency in any other state or country;

(2) registration of the vehicle gives no address for the owner;

(3) it is impossible to determine with reasonable certainty the identity and address of each secured party; or

(4) the certified mail notice required by this Part 4 is returned as undeliverable,

then the Director of Transportation shall give the required notice by publication in at least 1 newspaper of general circulation in the area where the vehicle was found.