When a vehicle is impounded, that means it has gone through towing and storage by law enforcement because they have violated the local laws. This usually occurs when a car has not been parked legally or if it has been involved in an accident. Towing can also happen if the driver is caught for not keeping up with car notes or has been operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
It is imperative to understand how a vehicle is impounded so it is easier to retrieve it as quickly as possible. One may also avoid accumulating additional fees or fines. The longer the vehicle impoundment, the more the costs, as these are calculated daily.
Reasons Your Car Can Be Impounded
Vehicles may be impounded for different legal reasons. Oftentimes, it has to do with violating the parking regulations or the traffic laws. These reasons can help vehicle owners avoid any unnecessary fines.
- Parking Violations: Cars parked in restricted places or that have accumulated unpaid parking tickets are liable to be towed. Cities usually enforce parking regulations to avoid congestion and maintain order.
- Traffic Law Violations: Driving offenses like operating a vehicle while drunk or excessive speeding may result in the vehicle being impounded with immediate effect. Law enforcement may also seize a car if the driver poses a public safety risk.
- Vehicle Documentation Issues: If a vehicle’s registration is well past expiry, it can be impounded until the owner can bring it up to date. This also applies to license plates and insurance documentation.
- Abandoned vehicles: Vehicles left unattended in a public area like a city for an extended time can be impounded to reduce congestion. These cars may also be kept until the owner can claim them if they cannot do so at first.
- Criminal Investigations: Law enforcement officers can get the car impounded, especially if it is evidence in a criminal investigation. The retrieval of such vehicles then depends on the outcome of the case.
What Do I Need to Get My Car Out of Impound?
If the vehicle has been impounded, retrieval requires following the right protocols. One must begin by locating the specific impound lot where the vehicle was taken following a seizure.
One can do this by asking the police department or searching the license plate or VIN. Once the location is available, the vehicle owner may call the lot to confirm the required paperwork and payments before going there to avoid delays.
Proof of Ownership
To get the vehicle back, the driver has to prove they are the rightful owner. The registration details are also required when claiming the vehicle. If these documents are not available on hand, the vehicle owner may have to contact the local DMV for guidance concerning the eligibility of duplicate papers and how to get them.
Valid Driver’s License or State ID
They may also provide a driver's license or a passport. If either is suspended or expired, the owner may have to arrange for another licensed driver to pick up the vehicle on their behalf. Now, this service is only available in some jurisdictions, though others require the owner to present a renewed or temporary license.
Proof of Insurance
Most impound lots need proof of valid insurance before they can release a vehicle. It ensures the car is legally covered before being driven from the lot. This releases the impound lot from liability should the car get into an accident immediately after being driven off. Some acceptable forms of proof of insurance include a printed policy showing the vehicle has active coverage.
A physical or digital copy of the insurance is also appropriate. Alternatively, one can get a letter from their insurance provider to confirm that the policy is active. In cases where the insurance has expired, the vehicle owner must renew their coverage before the vehicle can be released.
Payment for Fees and Fines
The retrieval of the vehicle comes with particular costs, including storage fees. These daily charges are implemented to keep the car safe in the lot. The longer the vehicle stays in impound, the higher the total fees are to retrieve it.
There is also a towing fee, which is the cost of towing the vehicle to the impound lot. The towing fee depends on the cost of hooking up the car to the rig, the distance to the impound lot, the size of the vehicle being towed, and the time taken to do the service.
Additional penalties, like unpaid parking tickets or pending traffic violations, can be implemented. Any required payments must be provided in full before the vehicle is taken. The mode of payment depends on the impound lot, so it would be advisable to confirm beforehand whether they take credit cards, cash, or money orders.
Additional Requirements
In particular cases, extra authorization can be required to retrieve the vehicle from the lot. These may entail police release forms or court orders. If the vehicle was impounded because of a criminal investigation, a corresponding form will be needed for clearance. Proof of payment will also be required if the vehicle was impounded because of unpaid traffic tickets.
Tips to Prevent Your Car from Being Impounded
Preventing the vehicle from being impounded is easier than dealing with the retrieval process. By remaining proactive and adhering to the basics, it is possible to reduce the risk of being towed. One can do this by being updated with their vehicle's documentation. They can also familiarize themselves with local parking regulations.
Avoid parking in restricted areas or on private property. Keeping up to date with parking violation fines is essential because they tend to escalate quickly if neglected. If necessary, these can be disputed. By remaining proactive and aware of their responsibilities, vehicle owners can reduce the chances of their vehicles being impounded.
