When Can the Police Tow a Vehicle in California? Know Your Rights
Law enforcement officers in California have several legal authorities under which they can tow a vehicle. Whether it’s for a Los Angeles DUI arrest, a criminal investigation, or other violations, understanding your rights is crucial. In some cases, police can hold an impounded vehicle for up to 30 days. However, if your car has been towed, you have the right to a hearing to request an early release. As an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney, I have successfully helped clients get their vehicles released early in such situations.
Common Reasons Police Tow Vehicles
- Los Angeles DUI Arrests & Impoundment Under California Vehicle Code § 23594
- If you are arrested for DUI, the police may tow your car under California Vehicle Code § 23594.
- However, there is an important exception in subsection (b): If the vehicle is jointly owned by a married couple, it cannot be impounded under this section.
- The person whose vehicle is towed after a DUI arrest is responsible for all towing and storage fees.
- Towing for a Criminal Investigation – Evidence Hold
- If the police tow your vehicle because they believe it is or it does contain evidence of a crime, they can place an evidence hold on it.
- In this situation, you do not have to pay for towing or storage; instead, the police department is responsible for these costs. However, you must have your Los Angeles Attorney call the impound yard to check when the hold is released so that you can pick it up immediately after the evidence hold has expired and do not have to pay the storage fees.
- Your vehicle will remain in impound until the police release it, which may take days or even weeks, depending on the investigation.
- 30-Day Impoundment for Certain Violations
- Under various laws, police can impound vehicles for up to 30 days in cases such as unlicensed driving or reckless driving.
- If your vehicle has been held for 30 days, you may request a hearing to challenge the impound and potentially get your car back early.
- This code section also has exceptions, such as for rental vehicles, for vehicles with liens, and for vehicles that are not entirely owned by the driver. Contact Los Angeles DUI Attorney so that we can request a hearing for you.
Fighting an Impound & Requesting Early Release
If your vehicle has been impounded, you have the right to a post-storage hearing to contest the tow or request an early release. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney has successfully handled numerous cases, particularly for Los Angeles DUI-related impounds, speeding-related impounds, reckless driving impounds, driving on suspended license impounds, securing early releases for our clients. The process involves filing a request with the appropriate law enforcement agency and presenting arguments for why the vehicle should be released before the full impound period expires.
Conclusion
Having your car towed can be stressful and expensive, but knowing your rights can help you take the right steps. If your car has been towed due to a Los Angeles DUI arrest or police investigation, it’s important to determine whether you can challenge the impoundment. If you or a loved one needs legal assistance with a vehicle impound case, contact an experienced Los Angeles DUI attorney for a consultation. We have successfully helped many clients get their cars back early. To talk directly with Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney call (323) 464-6424.
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