You driving and get pulled over the officer arrest you and takes you into custody. But what happens to your car if you get arrested? Does it get towed? If you are with someone can they take the car? These questions and more will get answered now.
So you’re asking what happens to your car if you get arrested? This depends on the situation. For example. If you get arrested it will depend on the circumstances of the arrest. If your vehicle itself is evidence in a crime, contains evidence from a crime, or the arresting officer feels likely the vehicle has evidence in it the car will be towed and impounded.
It will also depend on the city, state, or county your in at the arrest. Even if your car is not evidence but laws state that your car must be towed and impounded then that’s what will happen. However, if your car has no evidence and the crime committed does not require your car to be towed then the office could allow you to call a friend to get the car.
Some location and laws may be changing
Depending on where you get arrested and the officer that is making the arrest you could have the option to leave your car where you get arrested. However, this will depend on a few things.
- Are you with someone who can legally drive?
- Is your vehicle off the road where it is not a danger?
- Are you on a highway when the arrest happens?
Are you with someone that can drive legally?
Are you with someone who can legally drive? If so, you may be able to let them drive your car back to your house or their house and not have your car impounded. This is assuming your driver is not intoxicated and has a valid driver license. This could also be up to the arresting officer as well if he lets the other driver take the car with your permission.
Where is your vehicle located at arrest?
If you’re alone at the arrest and depending on what state or county and your car are off the road and not a danger a few things could happen.
One: The arresting officer could just have your car towed at your expense to the impound lot. You will also incur daily impound charges each day your car is there.
Two: The arresting officer could with your permission move your car over to a safe place so it is not a danger to others and allow you to call someone to pick it up.
Three: The arresting officer could with your permission leave the car where it is if it is in a place that will not put any other drivers in danger and the car will stay where it is. The officer and station will not be responsible for what happens to the vehicle. Again, this depends on what state and location you’re in. New laws are taking shape that could allow this to happen.
What’s most likely to happen to my car?
Still, the most likely scenario if you alone is that your car will be towed and impounded at your expense. Once released you can retrieve the car after payment is made. However, you could arrange a friend or family member to get your car before your released so to not incur daily impound charges. The family or friend can find out where your car is by going to the police station. If you could do this it could save you a lot of money, especially if you are held for a long period of time.
What should you do if your car gets impounded?
Most law enforcement agencies have contracts with towing and impound lots that they use. With that said you will be charged for initial towing to get your car from the arrest location to the impound lot. Then charged a daily rate for each day your car is there. However, there are a few things you should know and do.
Ask for your car to be released
As soon as possible you should ask to release the car even if the police towed it and had a right to do so. Keep in mind that towing a vehicle is not that same thing as keeping it. Once your car is impounded you will be charged storage and holding fees. You need to contact someone as soon as possible to retrieve the vehicle from the impound lot. Be sure that person has a valid driving license
Court orders to retrieve your car may be necessary
If you try and get your car from the impound lot but they refuse to release the car then you may need to get a court order to retrieve your vehicle. You could petition the court for release of the car until your case is resolved. Even if your car is subjected to impounded after a conviction.
The bottom line here is that what happens to your car if you get arrested will depend on the circumstances. Your car may or may not get towed at the time of the arrest. This will depend on if the car is or has evidence in it and what state, county, or city you are in at the time of the arrest. If your car gets impounded you will want to get the vehicle out of the lot as quickly as possible as storage fees can rack up quickly.
