Section 23.1-15-01 - DefinitionsFor purposes of this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Abandoned motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle, as defined in section 39-01-01, that has remained for a period of more than forty-eight hours on public property illegally or lacking parts that are essential to the mechanical functioning of the vehicle, including the motor, drive train, or wheels, or is located on private property without consent of the person in control of the property or in an inoperable condition such that it has no substantial potential further use consistent with its usual functions, unless it is kept in an enclosed garage or storage building. It also means a motor vehicle voluntarily surrendered by its owner to a permitted scrap iron processor. An antique automobile, as defined in section 39-04-10.4, and other motor vehicles to include parts car and special interest vehicles, may not be considered an abandoned motor vehicle within the meaning of this chapter.2. "Collector" means the owner of one or more special interest vehicles that collects, purchases, acquires, trades, or disposes of special interest vehicles or parts of special interest vehicles for the person's own use in order to restore, preserve, and maintain a special interest vehicle or antique vehicle.3. "Commercial towing service" means a registered business in North Dakota that tows motor vehicles.4. "Department" means the department of environmental quality.5. "Emergency towing" means the towing of a vehicle due to a motor vehicle accident, mechanical breakdown on public roadway, or other emergency-related incident necessitating vehicle removal for public safety with or without the owner's consent.6. "Parts car" means a motor vehicle generally in nonoperable condition which is owned by the collector to furnish parts to restore, preserve, and maintain a special interest vehicle or antique vehicle.7. "Permitted scrap iron processor" means a scrap iron processor holding a valid permit issued by the department under chapter 23.1-08.8. "Scrap tire" means a tire that is no longer suitable for its original intended purpose because of wear, damage, or defect.9. "Secured party" means an insurer covering the abandoned motor vehicle under an insurance policy.10. "Special interest vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is at least twenty years old and has not been altered or modified from original manufacturer's specifications and, because of its historic interest, is being preserved by hobbyists.11. "Submerged vehicle" means a motor vehicle or a recreational vehicle as defined in section 39-01-01 or a trailer that is submerged in a body of water.12. "Unit of government" includes a state department or agency, a county, city, township, or other political subdivision. Amended by S.L. 2023 , ch. 258( SB 2118 ), § 1, eff. 4/13/2023.Amended by S.L. 2019 , ch. 221( HB 1263 ), § 1, eff. 3/27/2019.Added by S.L. 2017 , ch. 199( SB 2327 ), § 30, eff. 4/29/2019.