How Many Traffic Violations Will Lead to Vehicle Impoundment?
2 Answers
There is no fixed number of traffic violations that will lead to vehicle impoundment; it primarily depends on the nature of the violations. Generally, if the accumulated demerit points exceed 12 and remain unresolved, the violating vehicle may be temporarily impounded. In severe cases, the vehicle may be impounded immediately if caught by traffic police. Circumstances leading to vehicle impoundment include: forging, altering, or using forged or altered motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, or driver's licenses. In such cases, the traffic management department of the public security authority will confiscate the items, impound the vehicle, impose detention of up to 15 days, and issue a fine. Forging, altering, or using forged or altered inspection compliance marks or insurance marks will also result in confiscation, vehicle impoundment, detention of up to 10 days, and a fine. Using another vehicle's registration certificate, license plate, driving license, inspection compliance mark, or insurance mark will lead to confiscation, vehicle impoundment, and a fine. Vehicle impoundment procedures: Within five days from the date the inspection report or appraisal opinion is finalized, the traffic management department of the public security authority must notify the party to retrieve the impounded vehicle. The costs incurred due to the impoundment will be borne by the traffic management department that made the decision. However, if the party fails to retrieve the vehicle after being notified, the parking fees incurred will be the party's responsibility. If the vehicle is not retrieved within 30 days of notification and remains unclaimed after a three-month public notice, the impounded vehicle will be disposed of according to the law.
As a veteran driver with over twenty years of experience, I often get asked how many traffic violations will lead to vehicle impoundment—this is actually a misunderstanding. Vehicle impoundment isn’t directly determined by the number of violations but rather by the severity of the infraction and the cumulative point system. For instance, serious violations like drunk driving, driving without a license, or street racing can result in immediate vehicle impoundment by the police on the spot. On the other hand, common violations such as running red lights or illegal parking may accumulate points up to the 12-point limit on your license, requiring you to retake driving courses and tests, but your car may not necessarily be impounded. Rules vary by region—major cities tend to enforce stricter policies, while rural areas may be more lenient. Safe driving is paramount; don’t assume one or two violations are harmless. Cultivate good habits like regularly checking your points and avoiding high-risk behaviors to save yourself a lot of trouble, especially since repair costs aren’t cheap. Remember, driving isn’t just about yourself—it’s about everyone else on the road. Prevention is always better than dealing with consequences afterward.
