Vehicle Tows and Impounds

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Vehicle Tows

If your vehicle was towed due to any of the following reasons, there is no police hold on your vehicle and you can contact the tow company directly for information on how to retrieve your vehicle.

Abandoned
Accident
Arrest
Hazard
Parking
Recovered
Other

Evidence Impounds

If your vehicle was impounded as evidence, contact the case detective assigned to your case for information on the release process.

ARS 28-3511 Vehicle Impounds

Arizona State Law (ARS 28-3511) requires a mandatory vehicle impound for the following violations:

Driver has a revoked license.
Driver does not have a license and no record of having a license or permit issued before.
Driver is in violation of an ignition interlock requirement.
Street racing
Reckless driving
Obstructing a public thoroughfare
Driver has a canceled license, no vehicle insurance and is involved in an accident.
Extreme DUI
Aggravated DUI
Driver under 21 with any amount of alcohol in their system.

Impounded vehicles are subject to a 20-day impoundment. Impounds pursuant to ARS 13-2906 (Obstructing a Thoroughfare) are subject to 7-day impoundment period.

Requesting a Hearing

If you are the registered owner of the vehicle and wish to contest the officer’s legal reason to tow your vehicle, you may request a hearing with the Vehicle Impound Coordinator at 623-333-7014. Hearings are conducted by appointment only Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays.

Vehicle Releases

Vehicle releases are dictated by State law. Personal hardships cannot be considered.

Early release conditions

You must have been listed as an owner on the title in the MVD computer system at the time of impound

If you sell the vehicle or change the name on the title after the vehicle was impounded, the new owner will not qualify for an early release.

If the vehicle was reported stolen.

Must provide a copy of the stolen vehicle report.

If the vehicle was impounded for a revoked/canceled or no driver’s license:

If the registered owner was the driver and their driver’s license has been reinstated.
If the registered owner or their spouse was not the driver, and they have a valid driver’s license.

If the vehicle was impounded for extreme/aggravated DUI or a driver under 21 with alcohol in their system:

If the registered owner was also the driver of the impound, the owner does not qualify for an early release.
If the registered owner or their spouse was not the driver, and they have a valid driver’s license.

If the vehicle was impounded for an ignition interlock violation:

If the registered owner was the driver and has an ignition interlock device installed on the impounded vehicle.
The registered owner or their spouse was not the driver, and they have a valid license.

If the vehicle was a rental and was being driven by a renter

An employee of the rental agency with proper credentials and identification must present all required documents along with a valid rental contract and a letter on company letterhead authorizing the employee to recover the vehicle on the company’s behalf.

If an employee of a parking service, repair garage or business was operating the vehicle (“subject to bailment”) when it was impounded, the registered owner may claim the vehicle with proper documentation.
If you are the lien holder (Repossession information)

Lien holders must meet the requirements of Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) 28-3512.D, E, F and G. The lien holder must have been listed as the lien holder on the MVD record at the time of the tow or impound in order to be granted a release.
Must provide a notarized Repossession Affidavit(PDF) form and notarized Lien Holder Harmless Agreement(PDF) form and copy of the title or purchase contract.

Required release documents

Valid driver’s license
Current vehicle insurance
Current registration
- Spouses not listed as owners who are obtaining an early release must provide Marriage Certificate and notarized Legal Spouse Affidavit (PDF) form.

Fees

$150 Administrative Fee
- Due at the time of the release appointment. We accept cash, debit/credit and money orders.
$80 Initial Towing Fee
$25 per day Storage Fee
- Towing and Storage Fees are paid separately to the towing company at the time of release.