Dmv

In this appeal, we construe Vehicle Code section 1808.22, subdivision (c) (section 1808.22(c)). [1] Pursuant to that statute, an attorney may obtain from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) an otherwise confidential residential address of a vehicle owner or driver when necessary to represent a client in a pending or potential action that directly involves the use of the vehicle. The attorney at issue in this appeal represents a collection agency for parking garages. We conclude that the attorney may obtain from DMV the confidential residential addresses of those relevant owners and drivers who fail to pay their parking charges, but may not transfer or disclose that information to the collection agency. We therefore affirm in part and reverse in part.

The relevant facts are undisputed.

Ticket Track California, Inc. (Ticket Track) pursues unpaid charges for parking garages and lots, after the garage or lot has unsuccessfully demanded payment.

While the great majority of parking patrons pay these charges without judicial intervention, Ticket Track at times has had to use a small claims court action to collect from a few recalcitrants. In August 2000, Ticket Track…