Tow truck operators: liens: exceptions.

Existing law grants a tow truck operator a lien dependent on possession on a vehicle that has been removed for various costs. A tow truck operator may also have a deficiency claim against the registered owner of the vehicle if a subsequent lien sale of the vehicle does not equal specified towing, storage, and related charges. Existing law excepts from liability for this deficiency a registered owner of a vehicle who has sold or transferred the vehicle prior to the vehicle's removal and who was not responsible for creating the circumstances leading to its removal if the owner has executed a certain notice and submitted it to the Department of Motor Vehicles. This bill would revise the circumstances pursuant to which a registered owner who has sold or transferred a vehicle that has been removed is excepted from the above-described deficiency liability. The bill would authorize a registered owner to utilize other methods identified in the Vehicle Code as sufficient for this purpose, including having made proper endorsement and delivery of the certificate of ownership.