Lien on abandoned vehicle; costs and fees included in lien; satisfaction of lien; issuance of unbranded title; transmission of fee to constable under certain circumstances.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 487.270
in effect1. Whenever a vehicle has been removed to a garage or other place as provided by NRS 487.230 , the owner of the garage or the automobile wrecker or operator of a tow car who towed the vehicle has a lien on the vehicle for:
(a) The costs of towing and storing for a period not exceeding 90 days; and
(b) If the vehicle was removed from public property at the request of a constable, the fee described in paragraph (d) of subsection 2 of NRS 258.125 .
2. If the vehicle is appraised at a value of less than $1,500, or less than such other value greater than $1,500 which the Department may establish by regulation, and is not reclaimed within the period prescribed in NRS 487.250 , the owner of the garage, automobile wrecker or operator of a tow car may satisfy his or her lien by retaining the vehicle and obtaining a certificate pursuant to NRS 487.880 , if applicable, a salvage title as provided in NRS 487.810 or an unbranded title pursuant to subsection 4.
3. If the vehicle is appraised at a value of more than $1,500, or more than such other value greater than $1,500 which the Department may establish by regulation, and is not reclaimed within 45 days, the owner of the garage, automobile wrecker or operator of a tow car may satisfy his or her lien, in accordance with the provisions of NRS 108.265 to 108.367 , inclusive. Before such a person may sell the vehicle, the person shall obtain a certificate pursuant to NRS 487.880 , if applicable, a salvage title as provided in NRS 487.810 or an unbranded title pursuant to subsection 4.
4. Before an automobile wrecker or operator of a tow car satisfies his or her lien pursuant to subsection 2 or 3, the automobile wrecker or operator of a tow car may request that the Department issue an unbranded title for the vehicle. The Department shall issue the unbranded title if the automobile wrecker or operator of a tow car submits to the Department a certificate of inspection in such form as the Department may prescribe which has been completed and signed by a garage operator who operates a garage that is registered pursuant to NRS 487.560 , by the owner of a body shop licensed pursuant to NRS 487.630 , by a rebuilder licensed pursuant to NRS 482.325 or by a qualified employee of such a garage, body shop or rebuilder certifying that:
(a) The vehicle was inspected by the garage operator, owner, rebuilder or employee;
(b) The vehicle meets the standards of the vehicle manufacturer for mechanical fitness and safety;
(c) Any safety equipment, including, without limitation, occupant restraint devices, which was present in the vehicle at the time the vehicle was manufactured is present and operational to the standards of the manufacturer and the provisions of 49 C.F.R. §§ 571.208 and 571.209; and
(d) The vehicle is in a condition to be operated safely on the highways of this State.
5. Nothing in subsection 4 shall be construed as requiring the Department to change the existing status of a certificate of title, including, without limitation, any designation that a vehicle is a salvage vehicle or rebuilt vehicle.
6. If the vehicle was removed from public property at the request of a constable and the owner of the garage or automobile wrecker satisfies his or her lien pursuant to subsection 2 or 3, the owner of the garage or automobile wrecker shall transmit to the constable the fee described in paragraph (d) of subsection 2 of NRS 258.125 .
7. As used in this section:
(a) Operator of a tow car means the operator of a tow car who holds a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued pursuant to NRS 706.4463 .
(b) Unbranded title means a certificate of title that does not include a specified designation, including, without limitation, a designation that a motor vehicle is a salvage vehicle or rebuilt vehicle.
Source: NV Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-487.htmlFetched: 10/4/2026