Tenn. Code § 55-31-304

Current through Acts 2023-2024, ch. 1069
Section 55-31-304 - Garagekeepers
(a) Notwithstanding this chapter to the contrary, the police department through its chief officer, after complying with § 55-31-302, may execute a written waiver of its right to sell a vehicle taken into custody under this chapter in favor of a garagekeeper in whose possession the vehicle was lawfully placed by the police department under this chapter. If a garagekeeper has made repairs to a vehicle for which a waiver has been executed, then the garagekeeper may proceed to enforce the lien as provided in § 66-19-103. If the garagekeeper has not made repairs to a vehicle for which a waiver has been executed, then the garagekeeper may proceed to sell the vehicle in accordance with the procedure established in § 55-31-303.
(b) As to third-party purchasers, the sale of the abandoned, immobile, or unattended vehicle is valid, but the garagekeeper shall sell the vehicle in a commercially reasonable manner.
(c) A person injured as a result of a violation of subsection (b) is entitled to maintain a private right of action for injunctive relief and to recover actual damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and reasonable attorney fees against an alleged violator.

T.C.A. § 55-31-304

Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1017,s 4, eff. 7/1/2024.