Sec. 104.4. Redemption, disposition and sale of abandoned vehicles

(a) Except for vehicles governed by section 104.5 of this Part, the Thruway Authority shall make an inquiry concerning the last known owner of such vehicle as follows:

(1) abandoned vehicle with number plates affixed—to the jurisdiction which issued such number plates;

(2) abandoned vehicle with no number plates affixed—to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

(b) The Thruway Authority shall notify the last owner, if known, that the vehicle in question has been recovered as an abandoned vehicle and that, if unclaimed, it will be sold at public auction after ten days from the date such notice was given. If as a result of the inquiry made pursuant to subdivision (a) of this section, the Thruway Authority is notified that a lien or mortgage exists, such notice shall also be sent to the lienholder or mortgagee. Any person claiming such vehicle shall be required to pay or make reimbursement, as the case may be, for the costs of removal, storage and disposition of such vehicle.