(1) If within ten (10) business days of impoundment a motor vehicle impounded by a local government has not been claimed, or a hearing has not been requested pursuant to KRS 82.625, notice shall be mailed by certified mail to the registered owner, if known, and lienholders of record, if any, affording the parties the right within ten (10) days from the date of notice to claim the vehicle or request a hearing pursuant to KRS 82.625. The notice shall state that, if no hearing is requested, the vehicle shall be deemed abandoned unless the charges thereon are paid within forty- five (45) days of receipt of notice.
(2) After forty-five (45) days from the date of notice required by subsection (1) of this section an impounded motor vehicle shall be deemed abandoned and the vehicle shall escheat to the local government.
(3) If the vehicle is judged suitable for use, the local government may obtain a certificate of registration and ownership from the county clerk pursuant to KRS 186.020 and either use the vehicle for governmental purposes or sell the vehicle at public auction to the highest bidder. If the vehicle is not suitable for use, it may be sold for its scrap or junk value.