§ 31-46. Reclaim by owner.

(a) Required payment and collateral.

If an owner appears to claim the owner's vehicle, then it shall be returned to the owner or the owner's authorized representative upon payment of all charges which have accrued thereon by virtue of its towing and storage, including collateral equivalent to the maximum fine for illegal parking where the vehicle was impounded.

(b) Right to hearing preserved.

If a vehicle is claimed by the owner or the owner's authorized representative upon payment of all charges accrued, the payment will not affect the owner's right to a hearing prescribed above or be taken as an admission of whether or not the towing of the vehicle was authorized under the Baltimore City Code.

(c) Notice.

An owner or the owner's authorized representative whose vehicle has been impounded as abandoned and who claims the vehicle within 48 hours after the vehicle has been removed to the auto pound:

(1) must be notified in writing that the owner has a right to contest the validity of the taking before a hearing officer; and

(2) must make application within 10 days thereafter of the intention to contest the validity of the taking to the hearing officer.