California · Vehicle Code

VEH §22852.5: (a) Whenever the possessory lien upon any vehicle is lost through trick, fraud, or device, the repossession of the vehicle by the lienholder revives the possessory lien, but any lien so revived is sub

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is a misdemeanor to obtain a vehicle subject to a lien through trick, fraud, or device, or for a lienholder to knowingly violate lien laws. A revived lien after loss through fraud is subordinate to good-faith interests acquired in the interim.

Read the full statutory text

(a) Whenever the possessory lien upon any vehicle is lost through trick, fraud, or device, the repossession of the vehicle by the lienholder revives the possessory lien, but any lien so revived is subordinate to any right, title, or interest of any person under any sale, transfer, encumbrance, lien, or other interest acquired or secured in good faith and for value between the time of the loss of possession and the time of repossession. (b) It is a misdemeanor for any person to obtain possession of any vehicle or any part thereof subject to a lien pursuant to the provisions of this chapter by trick, fraud, or device. (c) It is a misdemeanor for any person claiming a lien on a vehicle to knowingly violate any provision of this chapter.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.