Title
California Department of Motor Vehicles and Waiver of Phoenix City Code 42-18 (Ordinance S-53279) - Citywide
Description
The Police Department requests authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to apply to renew access to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Further request City Council grant an exception pursuant to Phoenix City Code 42-20 to authorize the inclusion of indemnification and assumption of liability provisions in the document pertaining to this transaction that otherwise would be prohibited by Phoenix City Code 42-18.
Report
Summary
The Public Records and Services Bureau (PRSB) Vehicle Impound Unit is responsible for ensuring that vehicles impounded by the Police Department are properly released. Under Arizona Revised Statue 25-3512, agencies must verify that the vehicle owner was properly licensed at the time of removal or confirm that the owner or designated agent presents a valid driver's license or reinstated driving privilege. The statute also requires agencies to provide notice of impound hearings within three business days, and eligibility for release may depend on the owner's licensing status.
To meet these requirements, the Unit enters vehicle information into the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) to confirm the status of the owner's driver's license. For vehicles registered in California, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires agencies to verify driver information directly through their office. Their team verifies the driver's license and date of birth inquiry, provided by Unit staff, through teletype. Once the information is confirmed, the California DMV releases the owner's information.
The request to renew access to the California Department of Motor Vehicle will ensure owners of impounded vehicles licensed in California are properly notified of impound hearings, maintaining full compliance with A.R.S. 25-3512.
Contract Term
PRSB staff will have access to the California DMV through October 17, 2030.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact associated with this request.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.