Here are the state law procedures for automobiles placed in the custody of licensed dealers and repairers.

Section 1: Vehicles abandoned or menace to traffic, will be towed by order of a police officer or traffic authority under Connecticut State Law Title 14 Sec. 14-150.

A nonconsensual tow is the towing or transporting of a motor vehicle (in accordance with the provisions of Connecticut State Law Title 14 Sec. 14-145) for which arrangements are made by order of a law enforcement officer or traffic authority (defined in Connecticut State Law Title 14 Sec. 14-297).

The police agency shall complete DMV "Notice of Motor Vehicle Tow" (form H-114) and mail a copy of that form to the vehicle owner and all lien holders of record if any such vehicle remains unclaimed after 48 hours. The pink copy of the "Notice of Motor Vehicle Tow" must be given to the tower if the vehicle remains unclaimed after 48 hours.

If the vehicle remains unclaimed, the tower must notify the owner and lien holder that the vehicle remains in the tower's possession prior to the filing of DMV "Notice of Intent to Sell or Artificer's Lien" (form H-100).

Note: DMV provides "Notice of Motor Vehicle Tow" (form H-114), "Notice of Intent to Sell (form H-100) or Artificer's Lien" (form H-100A), "Affidavit of Compliance" (form H-76).

Section 2: Vehicles towed by order of a municipality for Violation of municipal ordinances per Connecticut State Law Title 14 sec. 14-307 and Connecticut State Law Title 14 Sec. 14-150.

Any owner of a vehicle may request a hearing before a municipal hearing officer by filing DMV "Request for Hearing Contested Tow" (form A-25), (available at any Department of Motor Vehicle Office or any police department) and submitting it to the municipality.

1. The hearing is conducted under the provision of Connecticut State Law Title 14 Sec. 14-150 (e), (o) and Sec. 14-150-1 to 14-150-4 inclusive of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
2. Procedure:

A. The owner of the vehicle must notify the tower that possesses the vehicle that he or she has applied for a hearing. No sale or action may be taken against the vehicle until a hearing decision is rendered.
B. The hearing officer shall promptly schedule the hearing upon receipt of the hearing application.
C. Hold hearing:
i. If it is determined that the vehicle was not a menace to traffic, abandoned, or unregistered: the owner of such vehicle is not liable for any expenses. The department which placed the vehicle in the tower’s custody is responsible for all expenses.
ii. If the owner has already paid all charges and claimed the vehicle: the department which took the vehicle into custody shall reimburse the vehicle owner of all charges based on the hearing officer's decision. If the vehicle remains unclaimed, storage charges will continue to accrue while the hearing and the decision are pending.
iii. If the hearing officer decides that the vehicle was improperly towed: the owner of the vehicle may immediately take possession of it. The lien is dissolved upon the decision of the hearing officer.
D. No action (sale, "Notice of Intent to Sell (form H-100) or Artificer's Lien" (form H-100A) filing, etc.) may be taken against a vehicle by the tower while a hearing or hearing decision is pending.

Section 3: Vehicles towed or removed from private property upon request of the owners or lessee of the property per Connecticut State Law Title 14 Sec. 14-145.

1. The non-consensual tow of a motor vehicle left without authorization on private property.
2. Excluded vehicles are law enforcement, firefighting, rescue, ambulance or emergency vehicles.
3. Tower must notify the local police department within 2 hours of towing the vehicle:
   
   1. The notification must be in writing, by fax or by email and the tower must maintain a record of the notification for two years.
   2. Within 48 hours of being notified of the tow, the police department must check the VIN in NCIC to see if the vehicle has been reported stolen, and if so, police must notify the reporting department.
   3. Vehicle must be identified to the police department - this includes make, model, year, color, registration number (to the extent available), vehicle identification number (VIN), and name and address of registrant.
   4. No storage may be charged prior to giving notice of possession to police department.
4. If vehicle is not claimed within 48 hours, the tower must complete the DMV form "Motor Vehicle Notice of Tow" (Form H-114) and shall mail, by certified mail, copies of the completed form to the owner and to all lien holders of record.