For those intrigued by the prospect of stumbling upon an abandoned vehicle and claiming it as their own, a cautionary tale unfolds. Contrary to popular belief, the notion of “finders, keepers” doesn’t hold true when it comes to abandoned vehicles. This story serves as a stark reminder that attempting to claim ownership without the proper channels can lead to unforeseen consequences, as exemplified by an individual who found themselves behind bars.
The Discovery
The protagonist in this cautionary tale happened upon a collection of abandoned vehicles, specifically snowmobiles, nestled deep in a forest. These vehicles had been idling there for several weeks, if not more than a month. Convinced that the snowmobiles were abandoned, the individual embarked on a journey to secure ownership by initiating the process of obtaining title paperwork.
The DMV’s Response
However, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) had a different narrative to share. The would-be claimant was informed that ownership couldn’t be established without proper title documentation. Despite the insistence that the vehicles were abandoned, the DMV emphasized the importance of adhering to the established procedures.
The Unfortunate Outcome
Undeterred by the DMV’s warnings, the individual persisted in their pursuit to claim the abandoned vehicles. Unfortunately, this persistence led to an unexpected turn of events—their arrest. The vehicles, it turned out, did not rightfully belong to them, and the legal system responded to the attempt to claim ownership without the necessary documentation.
Understanding Vehicle Ownership
The crucial distinction to comprehend is that a motor vehicle is considered a titled asset. Unlike finding a misplaced item on the ground, a vehicle’s ownership is intricately tied to the name recorded in the title. Possession of the vehicle, possession of the title, or even possession of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) doesn’t confer ownership. The true owner is the individual whose name is officially documented in the title record, typically managed by the DMV.
The Complexity of Abandoned Claims
Attempting to claim a vehicle presumed to be abandoned requires adherence to specific legal channels. In essence, filing for an abandoned vehicle isn’t a straightforward process of “finders, keepers.” Instead, it involves surrendering the vehicle to the state for auction. The proceeds from the auction are used to try and locate the rightful owner, with any surplus funds returned to them.
Legal Pitfalls and Better Alternatives
This cautionary tale sheds light on the legal pitfalls associated with claiming abandoned vehicles. Whether prompted by genuine misunderstanding or a misguided attempt, the consequences can be severe. It’s vital to recognize that alternatives exist, such as pursuing a civil lien title through a court order petition. This process, however, is distinct from the notion of automatic ownership based on the perception of abandonment.
The Verdict: Proceed with Caution
As tempting as it might be to envision a windfall in the form of an abandoned vehicle, the prudent course of action is to proceed with caution. Jumping to conclusions of abandonment without due diligence can lead to legal entanglements and, as exemplified by this cautionary tale, potential arrest. When it comes to vehicle ownership, understanding the nuances of the process and adhering to legal pathways is paramount to avoid unintended repercussions.