The traffic department or local law enforcement can impound a vehicle for several reasons, including unpaid fines, prohibited parking, expired registration or insurance, blocking traffic, criminal investigations, or if the vehicle is considered abandoned or a safety hazard[2][3][5]. Common violations include parking in front of fire hydrants, blocking driveways, illegal use of handicapped spots, or leaving the car parked in one place for an extended period without moving[3][4][5].
If your vehicle is impounded, you will typically receive a written notice within 48 hours, and you can usually locate your vehicle through the official police garage or designated towing company[1][5]. To recover an impounded vehicle, you must provide documentation such as your identification, vehicle license plate number or VIN, proof of current registration, and sometimes proof of payment of outstanding fines[5][7]. You will also need to pay various fees, including towing, administrative, storage, and possibly additional charges if the vehicle remains unclaimed for several days[4].
If you believe your vehicle was wrongly impounded, you have the right to request a hearing to contest the impoundment[1][6]. This request generally must be made within 10 days of the notice, and a hearing will be scheduled, often within 48 hours of your request, excluding weekends and holidays[1][6]. At the hearing, a hearing officer (not the person who impounded your vehicle) will review the evidence and decide if the impoundment was justified[6]. If no reasonable grounds for the impoundment are found, your vehicle will be released without charges, or you may be reimbursed; however, if the impoundment is upheld, all related charges must be paid before the car is released[1].
Failure to pay the charges or retrieve the vehicle can result in additional storage fees and the possibility of a lien being placed against your car. Unclaimed vehicles may be sold at auction, and you could be liable for any deficiency if the sales price does not cover the fees owed[1][4].
References
- [1] Request an Impound Hearing | LADOT Parking
- [2] How to Get a Car Out of Impound | J.D. Power
- [3] Vehicle Towing and Impound Laws | Vehicle Code 22651 VC
- [4] § 22651 CVC – California Impound & Towing Laws
- [5] Vehicle Impounds and Towing | San Diego Police
- [6] Vehicle Impound Hearings | California Department of State Hospitals
- [7] Vehicle Towing and Release | California Department of State Hospitals
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