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HomeHarbors and Navigation CodeDiv. 3Ch. 3Art. 1§ 518 Unclaimed Wrecked Property Sale

§ 518 Unclaimed Wrecked Property Sale

Harbors and Navigation Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 518 Unclaimed Wrecked Property Sale

If nobody claims wrecked property within 60 days, or the claim isn’t paid or taken to court, the officer in charge can sell it at auction and send the money (minus approved costs) to the state’s general fund.

Key Takeaways

  • •A 60‑day deadline triggers a sale if the property isn’t claimed or paid for.
  • •The officer can auction the property, but must first get the court’s okay on any costs to be deducted.
  • •After approved costs are taken out, the money goes to the General Fund, and the judge sends the order to the Controller.

Example

A car is badly damaged in a crash on a public road. No owner or insurance company comes forward within 60 days to claim it.

The police officer who has the car can put it up for a public auction. After the sale, the court approves the costs for storing and fixing the car, any taxes, and other liens. Those costs are taken out, and the remaining money is sent to the state treasury.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 518 Unclaimed Wrecked Property Sale

If, within 60 days after saving wrecked property, no claimant of the property appears, or, if within 60 days after a claim, the salvage and expenses are not paid, or a suit for the recovery of the property is not commenced, the officer who has custody of the property may sell it at public auction and transmit the proceeds of the sale, after deducting salvage, storage, property tax liens, other liens, and other expenses, to the Treasurer for deposit in the General Fund. Deduction of salvage, storage, and other expenses shall not be made, unless the amount has been determined by the superior court of the county. A copy of the order, and the evidence in its support, shall be transmitted by the judge to the Controller. (Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 311, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2006.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

wrecked propertypublic auctionsuperior courtGeneral FundController

Related Statutes

  • § 513 Sale Of Perishable Wrecked Property
  • § 511 Salvage Claims On Wrecks
  • § 512 Sheriff Handling Abandoned Wrecks
  • § 514 Wrecked Property Claims Process
  • § 516 Bond Forfeiture Prosecution Order

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 518.
View Official Source