§ 86-32. Combat automobile theft program.

(a)

Creation. The combat automobile theft program is hereby created.

(b)

Definitions. As used in this section:

Administrative fees means the actual cost, if any, to the county sheriff's office incurred through the printing of decals and consent forms for the combat automobile theft program.

Consent form means a legally binding form designed by the sheriff's office in accordance with F.S. § 316.008, signed by the registered and/or titled owner of the vehicle enrolled in the combat automobile theft program. Once signed, the consent form will be kept on file with the appropriate law enforcement agency and serve as written authorization to stop the vehicle designated on the form between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

Decal means an adhesive emblem approved by the sheriff's office in accordance with the provisions of F.S. § 316.008 for the purpose of posting in the bottom left corner of the back window of a motor vehicle to indicate owner consent for a traffic stop in accordance with the requirements of the combat automobile theft program.

Motor vehicle means a conveyance meeting the description of a motor vehicle as defined in F.S. § 316.003(21).

Registered owner means the legally recorded holder of a motor vehicle, whose name appears on the motor vehicle's registration certificate.

Titled owner means the legally recorded holder of the motor vehicle's title, whose name appears on the motor vehicle's title.

(c)

Procedure for enrolling vehicles in program. All persons wishing to enroll a vehicle or vehicles in the county's combat automobile theft program shall comply with the following regulations:

(1)

Complete a consent form for each vehicle to be enrolled in the program to the appropriate county law enforcement agency.

(2)

At the time of submission of the consent form, provide proof of ownership of each vehicle to be enrolled in the program, either in the form of a certified title or registration certificate.

(3)

At the time of submission of the consent form, provide the law enforcement agency with personal identification either in the form of a driver's license or birth certificate. Only the registered and/or titled owner of a vehicle to be enrolled can enroll the vehicle into the program.

(4)

At the time of enrollment, the decals must be conspicuously affixed to the bottom left corner of the back window of the vehicle.

(5)

Upon selling or otherwise transferring ownership of the vehicle, the registered or titled owner shall remove the decals.

(6)

Upon terminating participation in the program, the registered or titled owner shall remove the decals.

(7)

Before selling, transferring ownership of the vehicle or upon terminating participation in the combat automobile theft program, the registered or titled owner shall also notify the issuing law enforcement agency thereof in writing.

(d)

Authorization to stop vehicle. A consent form signed by a motor vehicle owner provides authorization for a law enforcement officer to stop the vehicle when it is being driven between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., provided that a decal is conspicuously affixed to the bottom left corner of the back window of the vehicle to provide notice of its enrollment in the combat automobile theft program.

(e)

Territory embraced. All territory within the legal boundaries of Pinellas County, including all incorporated and unincorporated areas, shall be embraced by the provisions of this section.

(Ord. No. 91-6, §§ 1—4, 6, 1-29-91)

State law reference

Combat automobile theft programs, F.S. § 316.008(6).

Charter reference

Conflicts between county and municipal ordinances, §§ 2.01, 2.04.

Cross reference

Law enforcement, ch. 74; traffic and vehicles, ch. 122.