How to Handle a Seized Drunk Driving Vehicle?
2 Answers
Handling methods for a seized drunk driving vehicle: You need to go to the vehicle management office or the traffic management department of the public security authority where the vehicle was seized to handle the matter. Depending on the type of drunk driving, you will face different penalties. The minimum penalty is a six-month suspension of the motor vehicle driver's license, while severe penalties include revocation of the motor vehicle driver's license and a lifetime ban from obtaining one. There are five types of drunk driving offenses, as outlined below: 1. Driving under the influence of alcohol; 2. Driving while intoxicated; 3. Driving a commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol; 4. Driving a commercial vehicle while intoxicated; 5. Causing a major traffic accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated, constituting a crime. Different types of offenses have different handling procedures.
Getting your car impounded for drunk driving is truly a miserable experience, and I’ve been through it myself. That night, I drove after drinking too much, got pulled over by traffic police, and failed the alcohol test—resulting in my car and license being confiscated. First, don’t panic. The immediate step is to go to the traffic management bureau to handle the ticket. I paid a fine of several thousand yuan, plus points deducted. After that, you’ll need to retrieve your car from the designated impound lot, bringing your ID, vehicle registration, and a copy of the ticket, and covering the parking and towing fees, which cost me a few hundred more. The whole process took three or four days, not only disrupting work but also leaving me frustrated. After getting my car back, my license was suspended for three months, and I had to complete a safety education course to get it reinstated. Looking back, drunk driving isn’t worth it—it’s highly dangerous, costly, and time-consuming. Now, I always call a designated driver when going out for drinks and won’t make the same mistake again. Remember, zero drunk driving is the bottom line for protecting yourself and others. Sharing this lesson to help everyone avoid the same pitfall.
