What Happens if Your Car Is Impounded by Police?

Have you ever wondered why vehicles are taken to impoundment lots? You’re not alone. Drivers who have had their vehicles towed naturally want to know why their vehicles are being taken, what happens next, and how to get their vehicles back. Being knowledgeable about the whole impoundment procedure can definitely help if you ever find yourself in this sticky situation.

Why Your Car May Be Impounded

There are multiple reasons why your local police department or government agency may impound your vehicle. Some states have strict laws against drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI). For instance, in California, police officers are authorized to impound a vehicle if the driver has committed an alleged offense and is taken into custody. Police officers may also remove vehicles that are left unattended on bridges, viaducts, causeways, or highways if they’re obstructing normal traffic flow.

Your car might be impounded if you park it somewhere illegally, like in front of a private driveway or right beside a fire hydrant.

A vehicle may be towed to an impoundment lot without prior notice if the driver fails to pay their parking tickets and other penalties. If the driver has a suspended or revoked license, police officers may deem the vehicle unsafe and consider removing it. A police department or municipality may obtain a grant of authority from the court to search a vehicle if it’s reported to be stolen or has been used in a crime. If the vehicle contains weapons, drugs, and other illegal substances, the police may consider the vehicle hazardous to other drivers and confiscate said items.

What Happens in the Impoundment Procedure?

A police department is legally permitted to remove vehicles without notifying the drivers once it has been secured a grant of authority. Don’t bother trying to persuade the police to leave without your car because they aren’t legally required to speak with you during the impoundment process. In fact, you could be arrested for attempting to interfere with a standard police procedure.

The impoundment period can be as short as 48 hours or as long as one year depending on the state, although long-term impoundment laws are frequently taken into account during vehicle sanctions. In California, car impound fees can amount to $53 per day. That means a 30-day impound can cost up to $2,000 in fees and administrative expenses.

Unclaimed cars may be auctioned off to the public at low prices.

How to Get a Car Out of Impoundment

You’ll need to find out where your vehicle is impounded. You can either call your local government office or search for your vehicle’s location online. It might take some time for the impound lot to register your vehicle, so you might not find it right away.

You should contact the impound lot for confirmation once you locate your car. Don’t forget to inquire about the lot’s operating hours, so you know when to pick up your vehicle. Make sure you’re prepared to provide the necessary information because impound lots won’t let you walk in and pick up your car without any paperwork or payment.

You may be asked to present proof of car insurance and a valid driver’s license when you pick up your vehicle. You only need to enroll in the state’s minimum required insurance policy if you don’t already have one. As mentioned earlier, all fines must be settled for the car to be released. This includes paying for towing and storage fees. The average cost of towing is $150 while impound fees can cost $50 to $80 for each day that the vehicle is kept in the lot.