Training Bulletin 20-04 - Leased or Rented Stolen VehicleCommitment • Communication • Competency • Character
June 24, 2020 TB#20-04
Leased or Rented Stolen Vehicle Reporting
Prior to January 1, 2020, if a vehicle lease or rental agreement had expired, per CVC 10500, the owner
was required to do the following BEFORE filing a stolen vehicle report:
1. Notify the customer by certified or registered mail
2. Give the customer five days after the written demand was made to return the vehicle
As of January 1, 2020, the owner no longer has to wait five days or make notification via certified or
registered mail. Currently, the owner of a leased or rented vehicle can file a stolen vehicle report after the
following has occurred:
1. Wait 72 hours following the lease or rental agreement expiration date, AND
2. Attempt to notify the customer using the contact method designated in the lease/rental agreement
CVC 10855 states:
1. If the owner is able to contact the customer, the owner SHALL inform the customer the vehicle
will be reported stolen if it is not returned within a satisfactory period of time determined by the
owner
2. If the owner is able to contact the customer, but is not able to arrange for the satisfactory return of
the vehicle, the owner may file a stolen vehicle report
3. The owner MUST make a reasonable number of attempts to contact the customer before filing the
report
4. If the owner discovers the vehicle was leased or rented through fraudulent means, the owner is no
longer required to abide by any of the above conditions before filing a stolen vehicle report
The changes to CVC 10500 are in effect until January 1, 2024. You are encouraged to read CVC 10500
and CVC 10855 for more detailed information.
Bottom Line:
Barring a leased or rented vehicle being acquired through fraudulent means, the owner of the vehicle
can report it stolen if, (1) it isn’t returned within 72 hours of the lease or rental agreement expiration
date, and (2) after making several reasonable attempts to contact the customer via the contact method
found on the agreement document.
ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING BULLETIN
Thomas C. Kisela, Chief of Police