just checked over the Oregon Vehicle Code and apparently 'holders of security interests' have priority claim to impounded property. They must however pay the tow/storage fee and administration fee to obtain release.
Which may well be the responsibility of the legal owner, so if the STATE OF has the title then they have to pay, since their failures have damaged the value of your interest. I mean, the STATE is at least expected to behave!
There is also mention of "cancellation of title".
On the other hand a vehicle with a canceled title may no longer be a vehicle...
http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/809.html
Quote:
OREGON VEHICLE CODE
809.720 Impoundment ... release.
(4) ...a person who holds a security interest in the impounded vehicle may obtain release of the vehicle by paying the administrative fee.
(5) ... the impounding police agency shall authorize the person storing the vehicle to release it upon payment of any towing and storage costs.
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and
Quote:
809.700 ... security interest holder rights.
The authority to impound or immobilize a vehicle under this section is subject to all of the following:
(11) A security interest holder’s obligation to pay and right to recover ...are limited to ...those removal and storage or immobilization expenses incurred during the initial 20-day period ...unless the authority...has transmitted by certified mail a written notice ...
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you also get a hearing:
Quote:
809.716 Hearing on impoundment. (1) A person entitled to lawful possession of a vehicle impounded under ORS 809.720 may request a hearing to contest the validity of the impoundment...
5) If the...impoundment of the vehicle was improper... vehicle released ...is not liable for any towing or storage costs resulting from the impoundment. If there is a lien on the vehicle for towing and storage charges, the hearings officer shall order it paid by the impounding police agency.
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