How To Avoid California 30 Day vehicle Impound
How To Avoid California 30 Day vehicle Impound – Towed and Stored Vehicle Release Procedures…
The California Police Department is authorized to tow and store any vehicle or trailer that is required to be registered. Vehicles may be towed for, but not limited to, the following reasons:
Officers may use discretion about when to tow under specific circumstances. Certain violations require the officer to tow the vehicle. In every case where a stolen vehicle has been recovered, and it is drive-able, our officers will make every effort to contact the registered owner so they may come to the location and pick up the car, thus avoiding towing/storage fees. If the registered owner (R/O) cannot be contacted or is unable to pick up the vehicle, the vehicle will be towed. * Please be advised, officers are unable to stay at the scene for extended periods waiting for the R/O. Vehicles will be towed and impounded for up to thirty (30) days for, but not limited to, the following reasons:
California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22852 requires that all owners of record be notified that the vehicle has been towed and stored. It is important that vehicle owners ensure that their current address is reflected on vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires that changes of address must be reported to them within 10 days. Vehicles sellers are also required to notify DMV within 10 days of the date of sale. Click here to go to the DMV’s website for more information and forms: CA Department of Motor Vehicles. The California Police Department will not be held responsible for instances where vehicle owners fail to notify DMV regarding changes of address or vehicle ownership. How to get your towed or stored vehicle released ***THE POLICY BELOW DOES NOT APPLY TO 30 DAY IMPOUNDED VEHICLES*** You may arrange for the release of your NON-IMPOUNDED vehicle by personally bringing the following items: Be aware, vehicles will only be released to the registered owner of the vehicle. If the R/O cannot personally come to the Police Station, a NOTARIZED letter giving permission to the specific person picking up the car is required. If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact your local towing officer
After presenting the required documentation and paying the administrative fees, you will be provided with a release that must be presented to the towing company. You will then be required to pay additional fees related to the towing and storage of your vehicle.
How may I contest or challenge the decision to tow my vehicle? I’m stuck in a loop. My vehicle won’t pass smog, is not currently registered and I can’t get it smogged because it’s stored and I need a smog certificate to get it registered. What do I do? What do I do if my vehicle can’t be registered because I have outstanding parking tickets on my car? What if I have a complaint against the company that towed/stored my vehicle? |