Having your car impounded by police is a stressful and confusing situation. You are likely wondering what happens if your car is impounded by police and how you can get it back. When police impound your vehicle, you’ll need to follow specific municipal procedures to retrieve it, which often involves fines and proof of ownership.
This guide will walk you through the entire process. We’ll cover common reasons for impoundment, the steps to reclaim your vehicle, and the costs you can expect.
Knowing your rights and responsibilities can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
What Happens If Your Car Is Impounded By Police
The moment your car is towed to an impound lot, a formal legal process begins. The police do not simply take your car and throw away the key. They are required to follow strict procedures, and you have a limited window to act.
First, the officer will provide you with a tow slip or impound notice. This document is crucial. It contains the reason for impoundment, the location of the impound lot, and a case number.
If you were not present when the car was towed, the police department will typically send a formal notice to the vehicle’s registered owner at the address on file with the DMV. It is vital your registration address is current.
Your vehicle will be taken to a city-operated lot or a private tow yard under contract with the municipality. Daily storage fees begin accruing immediately, often from the moment the tow truck arrives.
Common Reasons For Vehicle Impoundment
Police can impound a vehicle for a variety of reasons, some more common than others. Understanding why can help you avoid it in the future.
Here are the most frequent causes for police to impound a car:
- Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License: This is a primary reason. If you are caught driving without a valid license, the officer has the authority to impound the vehicle for public safety.
- Evidence in a Crime: If your car was used in or is evidence related to a serious crime, it may be impounded as part of the investigation.
- Abandoned Vehicles: Cars left on public streets or highways for an extended period, especially if they are inoperable, can be towed and impounded.
- Registration Violations: Extremely expired registration (often over 6 months) or having no registration at all can lead to impoundment in many jurisdictions.
- Parking Violations: An excessive number of unpaid parking tickets or parking in a manner that creates a severe hazard can result in a tow to the impound lot.
- DUI Arrests: In many areas, if you are arrested for driving under the influence, your vehicle is automatically impounded for a mandatory period, such as 30 days.
- No Proof of Insurance: Being unable to provide valid auto insurance during a traffic stop can lead to immediate impoundment in strict states.
Immediate Steps To Take After Impoundment
Acting quickly is essential to minimize costs and legal complications. The clock starts ticking the moment your car is hooked to the tow truck.
Follow these steps as soon as you realize your car has been impounded:
- Locate Your Vehicle: Use the information on the tow slip or call the non-emergency number for the local police department. You will need the license plate number, VIN, or case number to get the impound lot location.
- Gather Required Documents: Do not go to the lot without the correct paperwork. Typically, you will need:
- A valid driver’s license (if your license was suspended, you may need a licensed driver to retrieve the car).
- Current vehicle registration proving you are the owner.
- Proof of valid auto insurance.
- The impound release form from the police department.
- Secure a Police Release: Before the impound lot will release your car, you usually need an official release form from the law enforcement agency that authorized the tow. This often involves paying any outstanding fines or tickets related to the impound reason at the police station or courthouse.
- Contact Your Insurance: Some insurance policies have coverage for towing and impound fees. It’s worth a call to your agent to check.
What To Bring To The Impound Lot
Once you have the police release, you can go to the impound facility. Be prepared for a significant payment. Bring the following items with you:
- Government-issued photo ID.
- Police release authorization form.
- Vehicle registration or title.
- Proof of insurance.
- Method of payment for all fees (most lots accept cash, credit, or cashier’s checks; personal checks are rarely accepted).
Understanding The Costs And Fees
The financial burden of retrieving an impounded car can be surprisingly high. Fees are set by the city or the contracted tow company and are non-negotiable in most cases.
Here is a breakdown of the typical costs you will face:
- Towing Fee: This is the initial charge for hooking up and transporting your vehicle to the lot. It can range from $100 to over $300 depending on the distance and vehicle size.
- Daily Storage Fees: This is the most rapidly accumulating cost. The lot charges a set amount for every day (or partial day) your car is on their property. Fees from $30 to $80 per day are common. These fees start the day of the tow.
- Administrative Fees: The police department or tow yard may add a processing or administrative fee for the paperwork involved.
- Fines and Penalties: You must often pay the underlying fine that caused the impound (like a ticket for driving on a suspended license) before getting the police release.
- Late Fees: If you delay retrieval, additional late payment penalties can be added.
In total, retrieving a car after just a few days can easily cost over $500, and costs climb into the thousands if left for weeks. If the fees exceed the car’s value, it may be declared abandoned.
The Process For Retrieving Your Vehicle
The retrieval process is a step-by-step procedure. Skipping a step will result in you being turned away, so follow it carefully.
- Pay Outstanding Fines: Go to the police department or courthouse indicated on your impound notice. Pay any fines required to get the official vehicle release form. Make sure you get a stamped or signed copy.
- Travel to the Impound Lot: Go to the impound facility during their business hours. These are often limited, so check first.
- Present Paperwork: Show the lot attendant your driver’s license, police release, registration, and proof of insurance.
- Pay All Impound Fees: You will be presented with a total bill for towing and storage. You must pay this in full to proceed.
- Inspect Your Vehicle: Before you drive away, quickly inspect your car for any new damage that may have occured during the tow or while in the lot. Report any issues to the lot manager immediately and document them.
- Drive Away: Once payment is complete and you have your keys, you are free to leave. Ensure your car is actually operable (has gas, battery charge, etc.) before departing.
What If You Cannot Afford The Fees?
Many people find themselves unable to pay the high cost of impound fees. Unfortunately, lots have no obligation to work with you on payment plans. However, you do have a few options.
You can request a storage lien hearing in some jurisdictions. This is a court proceeding where you can argue the fees are excessive or the impound was invalid. You must act quickly to file for this hearing.
If you simply abandon the car, the tow company will eventually obtain a lien on the vehicle and sell it at auction to cover the fees. This will severely damage your credit and you may still be liable for any remaining balance if the auction sale doesn’t cover the full debt.
Sometimes, signing the title over to the tow company is an option to settle the debt, but this means you permanently lose the vehicle.
Legal Rights And Impound Hearings
You have legal rights when your car is impounded. The police must have a valid legal reason for the impoundment. If you believe the impound was wrongful, you can challenge it.
You have the right to a post-impound hearing in most cases. This is a separate proceeding from any criminal case related to the incident (like a DUI). At this hearing, you can present evidence as to why the impoundment was not justified.
Valid arguments for a hearing include: the car was not involved in the violation, the officer made an error, or the impound violated local ordinances. If you win the hearing, the court may order the vehicle released and your fees refunded.
The deadline to request this hearing is very short, often within 10 days of the impound. The notice for how to request a hearing should be on the impound paperwork you recieved.
Preventing Future Vehicle Impoundment
The best strategy is to avoid having your car impounded altogether. This requires proactive maintenance of your legal and vehicular responsibilities.
Follow these guidelines to keep your car out of the impound lot:
- Always drive with a valid driver’s license. If your license is suspended, address the underlying issue immediately and do not drive until it is reinstated.
- Keep your vehicle registration current and the sticker on your license plate up to date. Set a calendar reminder for renewal.
- Maintain continuous auto insurance coverage. Keep proof of insurance in your car or on your phone at all times.
- Pay parking tickets and traffic fines promptly before they escalate.
- Never leave your car parked illegally or in a way that blocks traffic for an extended time.
- If your car breaks down, arrange for a private tow as soon as possible to avoid it being declared abandoned.
FAQ Section
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about police impounds.
How long do police hold an impounded car?
Police do not technically hold the car; the impound lot does. There is no universal time limit. The lot will hold it until you pay the fees or until they obtain a lien and sell it, which usually takes 30 to 60 days depending on local law. However, daily fees make retrieving it quickly essential.
Can someone else get my car out of impound?
Yes, but only if they are authorized. They must bring a notarized letter from you, the registered owner, granting them permission, along with all the required documents (their valid license, your registration, proof of insurance, and the police release). The lot will likely also require a copy of your photo ID.
What happens to personal property left in an impounded car?
You have the right to retrieve personal items from your impounded vehicle. You must contact the impound lot to schedule a time to do so. You may have to pay a small “property retrieval” fee. Importantly, you usually cannot take the car itself without paying all fees, but you can get your belongings. The lot is not responsible for valuables left inside.
Does impoundment affect my car insurance?
It can. The reason for impoundment (like a DUI) is a serious violation that will likely cause your insurance rates to increase significantly at renewal. Furthermore, if your insurance lapses and that’s why it was impounded, you will have a much harder time getting affordable coverage afterward.
What if my car was impounded unfairly?
Your recourse is to request a post-impound hearing immediately. Gather any evidence you have, such as photos, witness statements, or documents proving your registration was valid. Attend the hearing and present your case to the hearing officer. If you win, you should get your car and your money back.