(a) When. Any vehicle subject to the provisions of this chapter which has been impounded by the Police Department and which has been determined by the Chief of Police to be either not in a running condition or of a fair market value of less than $50.00 may be considered as junk, rather than a vehicle, and disposed of as provided by this section.

(b) Notice of Sale. If the owner of an impounded vehicle described in subsection (a) of this section is known, the owner shall be given notice by certified mail that the vehicle will be sold for junk in 10 days if the owner does not claim the vehicle. If the owner is not known, the vehicle can be sold for junk after one publication in the official City newspaper, stating that the vehicle will be disposed of for junk not less than 10 days following the publication and specifically describing the vehicle to be junked. Junked vehicles sold under this section may be sold individually or in lots and shall be sold only to a licensed junk dealer making the highest cash bid thereon and paying cash therefor. (Code 1981 § 43-407. Code 1995 § 142-271.)