How Long Can You Retrieve an Impounded Vehicle for Driving Without a License?
2 Answers
After a motor vehicle is impounded, the driver, owner, or manager of the vehicle must bring all the legal documents for the impounded vehicle to the traffic management department within 30 days to apply for retrieval. Below is the relevant information: According to Article 107 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," if a motor vehicle impounded under Articles 92, 95, 96, or 98 of the Road Traffic Safety Law does not have its legal proof provided by the driver, owner, or manager within 30 days, fails to complete the required procedures, or does not come forward to handle the matter—even after being notified by the traffic management department of the public security authority and after a 3-month public announcement—the traffic management department of the public security authority will send the vehicle to a qualified auction agency for sale, with the proceeds being turned over to the state.
If caught driving without a license, the time to retrieve your impounded vehicle is completely unpredictable, as it depends on how quickly you complete all required procedures. First, you must pay the fine, which can range from hundreds to thousands based on local regulations. Then, if the offense is severe, you may need to undergo investigation or attend safety training courses. This process typically requires multiple visits to the traffic police station to submit documents, taking anywhere from days to weeks. The more cooperative you are with authorities, the faster it goes. I once saw a friend take nearly a month, mainly due to delaying fine payment. The key takeaway is that unlicensed driving is highly dangerous—vehicle impoundment aims to prompt reflection and protect public safety, so resolve all matters promptly to avoid prolonged inconvenience.
