An impound car, also known as a towed or seized vehicle, is a car that has been legally taken and stored by law enforcement or another government agency. This typically happens because the owner has violated a law or regulation. The vehicle is held in a secure lot, known as an impound yard, until the owner meets specific conditions to get it back, which usually involves paying fines and towing/storage fees.
The most common reasons for car impoundment include parking illegally in a handicapped spot or a fire lane, driving with a suspended license, being involved in a DUI/DWI arrest, or having the vehicle used in the commission of a crime. In some cases, cars are also impounded for expired registration or if they are abandoned on public property.
Retrieving an impound car is a process that can be time-consuming and expensive. The owner must prove ownership (with a title and registration), show a valid driver's license, and provide proof of valid auto insurance. You will be responsible for all accumulated impound fees, which can increase for each day the car remains in the lot. If the vehicle isn't claimed within a certain timeframe, the impound lot may sell it at a lien sale or auction to cover the unpaid costs.
| Common Impound Reasons | Typical Retrieval Requirements | Potential Financial Costs |
|---|
| Parking Violations (e.g., handicapped zone) | Valid Driver's License | Towing Fee ($100 - $400) |
| Driving with a Suspended License | Vehicle Registration & Proof of Insurance | Daily Storage Fees ($30 - $100 per day) |
| DUI / DWI Arrest | Payment of All Fines and Fees | Administrative Fees ($50 - $150) |
| Expired Registration (over a certain period) | Court Release Order (if applicable) | Outstanding Traffic Tickets |
| Abandoned Vehicle | | |
