How to Get a Car Out of Impound

About 76,000 vehicles are impounded across the United States every day for various reasons. These include parking or traffic violations, unpaid fees, expired insurance, or a DUI offense. 

When a vehicle is impounded, the owner usually faces a detailed recovery process, often requiring specific documentation. Follow this guide to understand why a car can be towed and impounded and what steps to follow to reclaim an impounded vehicle.

Why Your Car May Be Impounded

In most situations, the local police department or a towing agency working for a local government agency is responsible for towing vehicles. The primary reasons local authorities tow cars away include:

• Unpaid fines. One of the most common reasons for impounding a vehicle is the owner’s unpaid parking tickets or fines. When too many unpaid tickets accumulate, the local authorities usually require the owner to pay the outstanding fines before the vehicle can be reclaimed.

• Prohibited parking. Parking in a prohibited area is another reason local governments would tow a car away. Examples include parking in front of a fire hydrant or a fire lane, blocking traffic, parking in a private driveway without authorization, or parking in an accessible parking space. Blocking traffic and violating local parking regulations and ordinances can also be considered prohibited parking.

• Expired documents. Depending on local laws and ordinances, government entities may tow and impound vehicles with expired registration, insurance, or inspection paperwork.

• Abandoned vehicle. Cities and local governments monitor vehicles that have remained parked in the same spot for extended periods, particularly in public areas. Abandoned cars are often considered safety hazards and are removed to maintain public safety and free up parking spaces.

• Criminal behavior. Law enforcement may tow and impound vehicles if the driver has been arrested for a crime, such as DUI or a drug-related offense. Impoundment can also occur if the vehicle is believed to contain evidence of a crime (even if the owner isn’t responsible) or if police suspect it is stolen.

Depending on local laws and the nature of the violation, the vehicle owner may or may not receive advance notice before towing and impoundment. Review city ordinances, county laws, and other local regulations to understand local rules on impoundment and towing.

How to Get Your Car Out of Impound: 4 Steps

After taking a vehicle away, the towing company or local law enforcement agency may attempt to contact drivers or send them an impound notice. In cases where the vehicle was towed due to a parking violation or breaking a city ordinance, these agencies may also have left a ticket or notice at the parking spot.

Regardless of whether prior notice is available, owners who suspect their car or truck has been impounded should follow these steps:

1. Confirm Your Vehicle’s Location

If the vehicle was impounded due to a parking or ordinance violation, local law enforcement may have towed it away. In this case, the recommended first step is to call the non-emergency police number and inquire about it. 

Most police departments will disclose whether they hold vehicles with a specific license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN) at their impound. If a city-operated or private towing company moved the vehicle, the owner may be able to locate it by contacting the local parking authority instead.

2. Ask About Release Terms

After locating it, the owner should ask the impounding entity for the vehicle’s release terms and conditions. In most circumstances, the police or towing company should explain the following:

• The impoundment reason, such as the specific law or ordinance that was broken
• Whether there is a mandatory waiting period and how long the owner must wait
• How much it costs to release the vehicle, and what payment methods do they accept
• Where to pick up the vehicle once ready for release

Usually, drivers must visit the local police department or towing agency office in person with the correct documentation before they can access the vehicle. Most jurisdictions require a driver’s license and valid insurance documentation to prove vehicle ownership.

3. Pay The Fees and Pick Up the Car

When the vehicle is ready for release, the owner may visit the impounding authority to retrieve it. The release process involves the following steps:

• Show proof of the vehicle’s ownership and car insurance to the agents
• Pay any outstanding impound, towing, and storage fees
• If applicable, resolve any other outstanding violations, such as unpaid traffic tickets, fines, or expired registration fees
• Arrange the release and drive the vehicle off the impound lot

How to Show Proof of Car Insurance

In addition to proving ownership, a driver who wants to retrieve their impounded vehicle must typically show proof of valid and current insurance. 

The types of insurance documentation vary between jurisdictions; some may accept electronic paperwork, while others require paper only. Regardless of the format, it must show at least the following:

• The driver’s name as the policyholder or an authorized driver for that vehicle
• The vehicle’s year, make, model, and, if applicable, trim level
• The VIN

If the driver does not have a current valid and active insurance policy, or if the vehicle was impounded because it is uninsured, they may need to obtain new insurance. Obtaining new insurance coverage after an impoundment can be more difficult, as the driver may be considered high-risk.

In that case, other options include insurance companies specializing in high-risk drivers or providers offering special, short-term coverage to help drivers legally retrieve their vehicles.

Promptly Retrieve Your Vehicle 

Regardless of the specific reason their vehicle was impounded, affected drivers must act as quickly as possible. In most jurisdictions, every day a vehicle spends in the impound lot corresponds to storage fees the owner will have to pay before retrieval. 

When a new or used vehicle is impounded, following a few simple steps can help speed up the process of getting it back and help avoid additional fees. 

Corentin’s passion for the automotive world started when he was just seven years old, during a life-changing visit to an auto museum. Now a seasoned writer, Corentin channels that early fascination into every piece he writes, whether he’s exploring the latest car trends or automotive history. But his expertise doesn't end there—he also brings his insights to topics like home improvement, the boating and yachting industry, personal finance tips, and cutting-edge tech.

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